PHOTOS: Protesters call for probe of ‘senator linked with banditry’

A group known as the Save Nigeria Project has asked the senate to investigate an allegation that a lawmaker is one of the major sponsors and financiers of banditry and kidnappings in the country.

During a protest by members of the group at the Unity Fountain in Abuja on Tuesday, the protesters held placards which read “Nigerians want to know the Judas” and “We don’t want any Judas in the national assembly” among others.

There have been reports that an unnamed ranking senator is working with the terrorists to abduct and kill citizens across the country.

Speaking with journalists, Solomon Semaka, the group’s convener, said the alleged connivance of the said lawmaker could be the reason the authorities have not been able to curb the attacks on citizens.

Semaka said it is important for the upper legislative chamber to investigate the allegation to restore the confidence of the masses in the national assembly as an institution.

“The rising incidents of kidnapping and banditry in recent times even in the federal capital territory is alarmingly worrisome,” Semaka said.

“Members of the national assembly cannot, therefore, afford to shy away from investigating their own and making their findings public.

“An unbiased public investigation is needed to assuage the anxiety of Nigerians at this point in time. There is no gainsaying that he who comes to equity must come with clean hands.

“Allegations as grave as the involvement of a high ranking Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in criminal syndicates such as sponsoring insecurity should embarrass every Nigerian.

“To whom much is given, so much more is expected. Any Nigerian who has been deemed by his constituents to be voted in as a senator must leave above board. Anything short of that is unacceptable.

“The senate as an institution too cannot afford to degenerate to the level of harbouring criminals.

“We, therefore, urge the senate leadership to immediately cause an investigation into the veracity of this media reports and fish out the errant senator so as to restore the confidence of Nigerians in the senate.”

Semaka said if the senate fails to carry out the investigation, members of his group would take the protest to the national assembly.

Here are some photos;