Hoodlums ‘invade’ National Assembly, threaten lawmakers
ABUJA – President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has expressed concern over influx of hoodlums into the National Assembly complex, saying a lot of senators have lost their telephones and valuables because of the influx of people into the complex.
Akpabio revealed this when members of the National Assembly Service Commission paid him a courtesy call in Abuja.
He said that the position themselves at strategic places and in front of offices, constituting serious security breach of the National Assembly complex.
“A lot of Senators have lost their telephones because of the influx of people into the complex.
“Lawmakers have been threatened by the presence of the hoodlums.
“As the 10th NASS settles down for legislative activities, hoodlums and people who do not have any business in the premises, loiter all over the Senate and Reps wings, begging and constituting security breach,” the Senate President said.
Akpabio therefore said it was important to have a cleaner environment and a secure complex for the lawmakers and staff of the National Assembly to conduct their activities without fear.
On the issue of staff allowances, Akpabio said he was aware of enormous resources channelled towards staff comfort, adding that everything was not about the welfare of staff.
He also lamented the infrastructural rot and untidy environment in which the 10th Assembly operates.
Akpabio emphasised that the National Assembly remained the symbol of democracy, assuring that the 10th Senate will make history through legislation.
Ealier, the Chairman of the NASC, Ahmed Kadi Amshi, congratulated the Senate President and his Deputy, saying they were experienced public officers.
He appealed to the lawmakers to send the list of their legislative aides for documentation, saying he hoped issue of legislative aides will be concluded by September.