The House of Representative committee on Internal Security has called attention to the need to to enhance protection and fortification of the National Assembly building owing to a recent threat by terrorist to bomb the structure .
Speaking during a public hearing on a bill seeking to establish the Legislative Security Directorate, Garba Muhammed, chair of the House Committee on Internal Security made this disclosure to the House.
Garba reminded the House that the Assembly complex has witnessed a range of security threats ranging from car and motorcycle theft, vandalism, fake identity cards, and infiltration by unregistered visitors.
He said, “We have received threats from terrorists to bomb the National Assembly complex and threats from protesters to lock up the National Assembly. Legislators are exposed to threats from constituents and others who gain easy access to their offices without any formal appointment.
“It is obvious that with the ongoing security challenges, if proper measures are not taken, it will truncate legislative activities. If activities are thwarted, there will be no representation, no oversight, no annual budget, no plenary at all — and that will destabilise the legislative process, democracy, and the stability of our nation.”
The lawmaker explained that the security of the complex which is an important part of lawmaking requires a coordinated strategy and well-tailored security measure.
“That is why this bill is important,” he added. “It seeks to address these challenges and adopt global best practices in parliamentary security procedures and architecture. While parliament must remain accessible to the public, the bill aims to ensure a robust security framework to protect legislators, staff, visitors, and property.”
“I wish us a peaceful and fruitful hearing that will ultimately bring a turnaround in the National Assembly’s security architecture,” he said.
