N/Assembly security target journalist over bribery report

Journalists were yesterday targeted by security operatives at the National Assembly over a report in the Daily Trust on Sunday that exposed acts of corruption by some personnel.

The newspaper in an exclusive report revealed how unaccredited individuals gain access into the National Assembly complex by giving roasted meat, a plate of food or paying N1,000 to security personnel at the entrance.

Following the report, the management ordered strict security checks on people coming into the National Assembly.

Journalists were particularly targeted by men of the sergeant-at-arms. The security men who stopped some journalists at the entry gate said: “We have declared war on journalists, since you want to spoil our job.”

The security men made photocopies of the Daily Trust story, showing same to the journalists, especially those coming in by foot.

Investigation revealed that while petty traders used their wares including ‘suya’, plate of food and Moimoi, to bribe their ways into the complex, visitors, who throng there to visit lawmakers pay N2,000 on sitting days and N1,000 on non-sitting days.

One of the journalists almost fought with security men after he showed his approved entry permit, but denied entry.

Some of the journalists were delayed for over two hours at the gate before they gained access.

It was also gathered that food sellers have been banned from entering the premises.