IGP Idris’ Disrespect for the Senate
For many weeks, the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, ignored the Senate, which invited him to come and clarify some security concerns. His disdain and sheer arrogance had also propelled some rational minds to explain away the implications of his brazen disregard for that critical arm of government, which further exacerbated the alleged resentment of the administration of Muhammadu Buhari for the National Assembly.
And when he finally spoke, apart from the part, where he dismissed alleged disrespect for the Senate, his reason for not honouring the invitation was clearly beneath him. That the case for which he was invited was already in court and as such didn’t see the need to honour the invitation. But who told him Dino Melaye was the only reason the Senate asked to see him? That’s how sad some Nigerian government officials place individuals against critical institutions of state.
It is unfortunate that the like of the IGP, at his level, had to be explained to that the place of the parliament is not to be disrespected or undermined by any individual under whatever cover. It is the one arm of government that not only creates the balance of power through the many checks entrusted to it constitutionally, it also represents the people through its members. Therefore, disrespecting the parliament is the same as disrespecting the people. It should not be condoned.