The Senate on Wednesday expressed anger over the invasion of the National Assembly by members of Ibrahim El-Zakzarky’s Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN).
It directed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abubakar Mohammed Adamu to tighten security in and around the complex.
The Upper Chamber said the perpetrators “of this dastardly act” should be fished out, with the law taking its course.
The invaders were protesting their leader’s continued detention.
A confrontation between security agents and members of the group led to a bloody clash.
Two policemen were said to have been shot by the invaders.
Cars were destroyed while glass windows were smashed by the protesters.
The Chairman of Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Adedayo Adeyeye, said: “The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria condemns the desecration of the sacred National Legislative Institution of Nigeria on Tuesday by the members of El-Zakzakky’s Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) with its forceful invasion into the premises.
“The unruly mob overpowered the security apparatus of the National Assembly through its main entrance, known as MOPOL Gate.
“They forcefully seized one of the security operatives’ gun, shot two security personnel, unleashed terror on others, vandalised the gate and burnt three vehicles of innocent individuals. Many other cars were equally vandalised.
“This unwarranted affront on the Federal Parliament led to abrupt adjournment of the House of Representatives plenary.
“Although the IGP has ordered speedy and diligent investigation into this unfortunate and unwarranted desecration of the Federal Legislative house, the Senate hereby urges all law enforcement agencies to rise up to their billing and urgently fish out the perpetrators of this dastardly act with the law taking its full course.
“It should be drummed into the ears of perpetrators of this heinous act that the National Assembly is a place of serenity and sacred legislative institution. It should be respected and allowed to concentrate on its mandate of legislation for good governance, security and peaceful co-existence of Nigerians.
“While the National Assembly is a public place for Nigerians, citizens must follow proper channels and protocols if they have causes to access its premises.
“Senate hereby calls for security beef up within the National Assembly and other institutions henceforth.”
Also, the House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to engage members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) in discussions to amicably address their grievances.
This followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance by Minority Leader Ndudi Elumelu.
He said:“This has exposed the lapses in our security system, and that is critical. Protection of life and property is a primary function of government. But where that is not forthcoming, would people have to resort to arming themselves?
“It is very important to ask why the group invaded the National Assembly. Is it that they felt the National Assembly failed them or that the Executive failed them and as a result they have to vent their anger on the legislature?
“There is a need to address that as a matter of urgency.
“There’s is also a need to ensure the security of the National Assembly because most times, you see strange people approaching and hassling lawmakers. The Sergeant-at-Arms must be empowered to carry out their job,” he added.
Nicholas Ossai (PDP, Delta) supported the need for an interface with the Executive on the security for the National Assembly.
He reminded his colleagues that the House had a law for its Sergeant-at-Arms to bear arms.
Chief Whip Muhammad Monguno (APC, Borno) warned that immediate solution must be sought to prevent the IMN turning into an insurgent group.
Luke Oniofik (PDP, Akwa Ibom) said the IMN issue needed serious handling.
He urged President Muhammadu Buhari to solve the problem.
Bamidele Salam (PDP, Osun) said the Federal Government should be futuristic in its approach to solving the problem and nip the brewing insurgency.
“The root cause of the problem must be addressed once and for all,” he said.
The House urged the government to ascertain if the police officers were insured under group, personal, accident scheme and workmen compensation.
It noted that, if not, the House Committee on Police Affairs, when constituted, should incorporate it in the national budget.
The House said security officers affected during the invasion should be compensated.
The motion was unanimously adopted after a voice vote.
