Upset by the audacious invasion of the National Assembly by members of the El-Zakzarky Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), the Senate has asked the Inspector General of Police, (IGP), Abubakar Mohammed Adamu, to beef up security in and around the complex.
The upper chamber also said that although the IGP has ordered speedy and diligent investigation of the unfortunate and unwarranted desecration of the federal legislative house, all law enforcement agencies should rise up to their biding.
Specifically, it said that the perpetrators “of this dastardly act” should be fished out with the law taking its course.
Followers of detained leader of the Islamic Movement, Ibrahim El Zakzaky, on Tuesday, invaded the National Assembly complex in their attempt to protest their leader’s continued detention.
A confrontation between security agents and members of the IMN led to a bloody clash.
Two policemen were said to have been shot by the invaders.
Cars were destroyed while glass windows were smashed by the protesters.
Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Adedayo Adeyeye, who spoke on the issue on Wedneday, condemned the invasion.
Adeyeye insisted that the IGP should fish out the perpetrators of the invasion.
He noted that the parliament is a sacred institution of government that must be respected by every Nigerian, irrespective of status.
He said: “The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria condemns in its entirety, the desecration of the sacred National Legislative Institution of Nigeria on Tuesday by the members of the El-Zakzakky Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) with its forceful invasion into the premises.
“The unruly mob overpowered the security apparatus of the National Assembly through its main entrance known as MOPOL Gate.
“They forcefully seized one of the security operatives’ gun, shot two security personnel, unleashed terror on others, vandalised the gate, and burnt three vehicles of innocent individuals, while many other cars were equally vandalised.
“This unwarranted affront on the Federal Parliament led to abrupt adjournment of the House of Representatives plenary.
“Although the Inspector-General of Police has ordered speedy and diligent investigation into this unfortunate and unwarranted desecration of the Federal Legislative house, the Senate hereby urge all law enforcement agencies to rise up to their hiding and urgently fish out the perpetrators of this dastardly act with the law taking its full course
“It should be drummed into the ears of perpetrators of this heinous act that the National Assembly is a place of serenity and sacred legislative institution which should be respected and allowed to concentrate on her mandate of legislation for good governance, security and peaceful co-existence of Nigerians.
“While the National Assembly is a public place for Nigerians, citizens must follow proper channels and protocols if they have causes to access its premises.
“Senate hereby calls for security beef up within the National Assembly and other institutions henceforth.”