We’ve resolved to declare IG persona non grata, Saraki says

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Rising from its closed door session, President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, said the lawmakers revolved to declare the IG persona non grata, stressing that he is not fit to hold any public office in Nigeria or any other country.

Saraki recalled that a court, which the Police boss approached over his earlier invitation by the Senate, ‎ruled that the lawmakers had the powers to summon him or any other public officer.

The Senate President said the lawmakers also resolved that the leadership of the chamber would make further considerations on the matter.

The Senate on Wednesday branded the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Ibrahim Idris, as an ‘enemy of democracy’ and unfit to hold public office.

This was reeled out by Senate President, Bukola Saraki during plenary at the Senate.

The IGP had refused to appear before the senate after he was summoned twice.

After a close-door session and on resumption of plenary, the Senate President said the senators deliberated on the non-appearance of the IGP after a series of invitation.

He said his non-appearance after he was invited twice showed disrespect to the upper chamber and constitutional authority.

According to him, the Senate resolved 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 IGP to appear before an investigative committee, as also ruled by a court of competent jurisdiction, is a great danger to the nation’s democracy.

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

Also speaking, Senator Enyinaya Abaribe, said the action of Idris showed that he had no respect for the the law, lamenting that the nation’s democracy was dying and accused the IGP of abusing his power in office.

Speaking, Senator Isah Misau said “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.”