The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, has exonerated the Nigeria Police Force from the Tuesdays blockade of the National Assembly (NASS) by security operatives.
Idris stated this after a closed door meeting with the acting President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday.
He said the blockade of the NASS complex was a surprise to him, adding that the police would soon issue a statement on the incident.
Obviously, like I said, I have not got a detailed brief on that. So, when I get the brief, in fact we are going to issue a (press) release, he said.
Osinbajo had on Tuesday sacked the Director General, Department of State Service, Lawal Daura with immediate effect, over the invasion of the premises of the National Assembly.
Osinbajo condemned the unauthorized takeover of the National Assembly complex, describing it as a gross violation of constitutional order, rule of law and all acceptable notions of law and order.
He maintained that the unlawful act which was done without the knowledge of the Presidency is condemnable and completely unacceptable.
The acting President assured Nigerians that all persons within the law enforcement apparatus who participated in this travesty would be identified and subjected to appropriate disciplinary action.
The sacked DSS boss had earlier met behind closed door with the acting president with the IGP Idris and the Chief of Staff to the President, Malam Abba Kyari, in attendance.
In a statement later on Tuesday, by acting deputy commissioner, Jimoh Moshood, the police categorically denied the involvement of their men in the blockade at the assembly.
The Nigeria Police Force wishes to categorically state that its personnel was not involved in any way whatsoever in the blockade of the National Assembly in the early hours of today, 7th August, 2018.
The Force was not informed and has no pre-knowledge of the blockade.
The Nigeria Police Force hereby implores the Media and the general Public to disregard in entirety insinuations that Police personnel were involved in the blockade as untrue, misleading and a misinformation.
The Nigeria Police Force will continue to ensure that the rule of law prevails, sustain unflinching respect, support and protection of all constituent authorities and democratic institutions in the Country, while maintaining law and order, protection of lives and property Nationwide.
Source: NAN