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The Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, says all those involved in the invasion of the National Assembly and snatching of the mace to book will be brought to book.
The mace is the symbol of authority of the legislature but was snatched by some thugs who invaded the National Assembly on Wednesday, April 18, 2018.
The mace was retrieved by the police where it was abandoned under a bridge in Abuja.
Speaking during the inauguration of the Senate ad-hoc committee to probe the case, Saraki declared that the invasion must not be allowed to be a precedence because it was a terrible one.
He said it was necessary for the Legislature to restore its integrity which had been violated as a result of the invasion.
His words: “The events of the 18th of April 2018 will go down as one of the darkest days of our democracy. The precincts of the National Assembly is not just a place where the National Assembly meets, it is the symbol of our liberty and freedom from autocracy and the base of our democracy.
“This should not happen. It should never have happened. The violation of this solemn place, the symbol of our liberty to have a government by the representatives of our people for our people by a group of mobsters and criminals cannot simply be ignored. It has been inferred in many quarters that this group of thugs and urchins were led by a serving distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is most despicable and unspeakable.
“It is clear and remains the duty of the legislature when faced with behaviours that undermine its fundamental integrity like this one that the legislature acts to restore the integrity of the institution. We owe it as a duty not only to this present National Assembly but also those to precede it, that the legislative process is purged of this dirt and the legislature restored to its full place of dignity.
“This is a duty that must be achieved. We cannot let a precedence proceed from this. Everyone involved from conception to execution of this heinous crime must be brought to book.”
Saraki urged members of the committee to put in their best to ensure, through the task, the restoration of the sanctity, the preservation of the dignity of the National Assembly and the restoration of the security, integrity and moral authority of the National Assembly.
He said the National Assembly looked up to members of the committee for a good job.
He added that they were chosen for the job because of their pedigree.
“You have been chosen also because we have a great task ahead, to think outside of the box to take lawmaking back to the people through creative interventions.
“This Senate looks up to you to do the nation proud,” Saraki added.
• Source: The Edition