Senate summons NSA, AGF over Kogi armed militias
The Senate yesterday summoned the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami over alleged armed militias in Kogi State.
The resolution followed a point of order by Senator Dino Melaye (APC, Kogi). He told the Senate that Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello was planning to establish state police through the ‘backdoor.’
“I bring to the Senate a plan, action of Kogi State Government to introduce state police through the backdoor. A law passed by Kogi State House of Assembly and signed into law by the governor that talk about the establishment service.
“Mr President I heard that it is a law of the government and when I went through this law, this law is in conflict with the Constitution of Nigeria. This law alters of the Nigerian police as stipulated in section 214 of the Constitution.
“It is a fact that state can make laws through the state house of assembly. But the law they make must not be in conflict with the constitution,” he said.
Reading a section of the law, Melaye said “The vigilante group will involved in the prevention and detection of crimes, apprehension of criminals, preserving law and order, protection of lives and properties and will assist other paramilitary agencies in the discharge of their duty. That this service can carry Dane guns and other light arms that is in commensurate with their duties.”
Seconding, minority leader, Godswill Akpabio described as unfortunate the conduct of Governor Bello.
Senate President Bukola Saraki mandated the joint National Security and Intelligence and Judiciary committee to investigate the matter and summon the NSA and AGF with a view to disband the body.