Nigeria Senate Declares Inspector General of Police a Threat to Democracy

The Senate has declared the Inspector General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, as an enemy of democracy and that he is unfit to hold a public office.

Senate President Bukola Saraki announced this on Wednesday during plenary at the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The announcement followed the refusal of the police boss to appear in person before the lawmakers after he was summoned earlier on two different occasions.

Earlier, the Senate entered a closed-door session which began at about 12:24 pm and lasted for about almost an hour.

Upon resumption of the plenary, Dr Saraki revealed that the lawmakers deliberated on the non-appearance of the IGP after a series of invitation.

According to him, Red Chamber noted that the development was disrespectful to the institution and constitutional authority.

“The Senate resolves to declare the IGP as an enemy of democracy and not fit to hold any public office within and outside Nigeria and that the refusal of the IG to appear before an investigative committee, as also ruled by a court of competent jurisdiction, is a great danger to our democracy” the Senate President said.

Meanwhile, some senators have criticised the police boss over his non-appearance at the Red Chamber.

The Senate Leader, Senator Ahmad Lawan, said “It is very unusual for a public servant to act like this; I have never seen this before anywhere in the world. We need to take a decision because this affects security in the entire country.”

For Senator Enyinaya Abaribe, the action of the IGP shows that there is “no respect for the law” in the country.

He decried that the nation’s democracy is dying bit by bit and accused Mr Idris of abuse of power and office.

On his part, Senator Isah Misau said although the action was not against the Senate but against the Presidency, he noted that the IGP is not competent to be in the office.

“This is unacceptable and disrespectful. It requires immediate action and I think this Senate needs to take serious action in looking for a way forward,” Senator Emmanuel Bwacha also told his colleagues.