Arase apologises to reps over reopening of Kogi assembly

Solomon Arase, inspector general of police (IGP), apologised to the leadership of the house of representatives over the reopening of the Kogi state house of assembly.

Following the crisis which broke out in the assembly after five members impeached the speaker, the lower chamber of the national assembly directed the IGP to seal off the Kogi legislative chambers until a peaceful resolution was reached.

Though the directive was initially carried out, the five members who impeached the speaker later convened and conducted legislative activities within the chamber.

Speaking when he appeared before the house committee, which presided over the Kogi crisis, Arase, who pledged allegiance to the presidency, explained that he solicited for the advice of Abubakar Malami, the attorney-general of the federation (AGF) on administrative issues.

He said the discord will be addressed, noting that there was a breakdown of communication.

“I am a law abiding officer who swore to obey the constitution, there was a break down somewhere but we will resolve it,” he said.

“There was a communication breakdown, I wouldn’t do anything to breach the constitution.”

Earlier, the committee chaired by Femi Gbajabiamila, majority leader, described the failure of IGP to comply with the resolution as breach of the Nigerian constitution and undue interference on the activities of the legislature.

He also frowned at the absence of the AGF, who was reportedly attending a meeting with the US delegation to Nigeria at the state house.

The committee, however, resolved that the AGF should appear in person by 2pm on Monday.

While speaking on the outcome of the investigative hearing conducted behind closed door, Gbajabiamila said: “It was straight to the point; all the house wanted to know was why the resolution of the NASS was disobeyed.

“And also why the state assembly was reopened.

“The IG gave his explanation, he had sought the advice of the attorney general and the attorney general gave him his advice.

“I think we are making good steady progress and I think we would put this matter to a conclusion next week.”

While reacting to inquiry on whether the IGP was going to close down the assembly or not, the majority leader said: “We are not there yet, as you know the hearing is a process.

“This is the first day and there are several sides to it. We have taken the deposition of the IG, the attorney-general will be with us on Monday.

“The resolution of the house was not to go back to status quo. The resolution of the house was to conduct a hearing to find out why it hasn’t happened and we are getting there.”