APC Backtracks, Justifies DSS Invasion Of National Assembly.

Short of withdrawing its earlier statement condemning the invasion of the National Assembly by the Department of State Services (DSS), the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday backed the action, saying it was aimed at frustrating an alleged plot by Senate President Bukola Saraki to stir violence as a ploy to stop his impeachment.

Unwittingly, the APC seemed to have admitted there was indeed a move to sack the Senate president.

“Why did the Senate president reconvene the National Assembly? Ostensibly, it was a pre-emptive move to frustrate federal lawmakers’ effort to impeach him,” APC’s acting national publicity secretary, Yekini Nabena, said, urging security agencies to probe the matter.

But the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a counter statement by its spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, asked: “Is it not schizophrenic for the APC, a day after the invasion, to accuse Saraki of triggering security issues at the National Assembly, when the presidency had already ‘found’ DSS director-general wanting and summarily sacked him for the invasion?”

The presidency, meanwhile, has insisted President Muhammadu Buhari was carried along in the decision to fire Daura.

It made the clarification following insinuations that Osinbajo acted alone.

However, at a world press conference, yesterday, Saraki and House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara sought an investigation into the matter and bringing of the perpetrators to book.

“We owe it to ourselves to ensure that such a situation never occurs again. Many agencies have abused their powers and acted outside the ambit of the law on occasion.

Where abuses occur, similar actions must be taken immediately and full investigation instituted,” the leaders said in a joint statement.

“Government must ensure that security agencies remain neutral and act in line with the position of the constitution as well as their enabling laws.

Heads of agencies should be accountable, and those who step out of line must be held responsible for their actions.

Enough with impunity! Enough with the reckless and senseless deployment of militaristic force! Enough!”

Source; The Guardian