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By Jonas Ezieke, Abuja
Following the invasion of the National Assembly by the Department of State Security DSS in early August this year, the House of Representatives yesterday asked the Federal Government to empower the Sergent-at Arms its security outfit to bear arms for the purposes of securing the legislative institution.
This followed the adoption of a motion by Hon. Osai N Osai (Delta,PDP) titled: “Urgent Need to Address the Desecration and Security Challenges on the Invasion of National Assembly by Security Operatives” on the floor of the House.
Osai while debating the motion recalled the recent invasion of the National Assembly on August 7, 2018 by masked and hooded armed security operatives of the Department of State Security DSS, the Nigeria Police and other security agencies.
He further noted that prior to the invasion, there was massive defection of lawmakers on both the Senate and House of Representatives from one political party to another.
He hinted that key institutions of national security in Nigeria have over the Years been partisan and acting disgracefully.
The lawmaker averred that the resultant effect of these actions is a desecration of the alter of law making and the hallowed precincts of the National Assembly is gradually being eroded of legislative independence.
The PDP member also expressed worries that Executive intimidation subsists and asked that legislative institutions do address the security challenges posed by incessant abuses of the Executive power.
He also stated that there is the need to train the Sergent-At-Arms its security outfit for the purposes of bearing firearms and other self defence mobile electronic devices.
Consequently, the House presided by the Speaker Hon.Yakubu Dogara adopted the motion with a voice vote.
Dogara approved that the Presidency grant a licence for the use of firearms by officers in the Sergeant-At-Arms of the National Assembly.
He also mandated the House Committee on Police Affairs and Legislative Compliance to liase with the Presidency and report back to the House within 4 weeks for further legislative action.