There was a near clash between security details attached to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, and soldiers at the entrance to the Hotel 17 in Kaduna on Monday.
The hotel served a venue for the international conference on security and development challenges of pastorialism in West and Central Africa.
The conference had as its theme ‘The role of pastoralists in preventing insurgency and conflicts for sustainable peace and national security’, and organised by the office of the National Security Adviser in the Presidency.
In spite of the visibility of the flag and the coat of arms on the official car conveying the Speaker, the soldiers insisted they had to search the Speaker’s car at the gate.
At this point, the Speaker, who arrived at the venue at about 9.20am ahead of other dignitaries, was subjected to thorough search, forcing the security details of the speaker to protest. But the protest fell on deaf ears as the soldiers stood their grounds.
The development forced the Speaker, who was visibly angry, out of the car and walked for about 50 meters into the conference hall, leaving behind his official car.
A security official, who witnessed the incident and craved for anonymity, described the scene as unbelievable.
He noted that as one that had put in reasonable numbers years in service, he had yet to witness such an embarrassing situation.
“We never knew it was the Speaker coming but on getting closer, I discovered that it was the Speaker. I overheard one of the soldiers saying they must search the car. But the security officials attached to the Speaker protested. They were rebuffed by the soldiers. I saw the Speaker came down and walked away,” he said.
When contacted, Special Adviser to the Speaker on Media, Imam Imam, who confirmed the incident, said it was highly unusual for security operatives to search an official car of the Speaker.
Describing the incident as unfortunate, the speaker’s spokesman noted that the action of the soldiers could undermine the nation’s democracy.
He said, “What they are doing is undermining the legislature as a whole. It is not about the Speaker but the institution.
“We are just urging them (security) to be mindful of the fact that the institution must be protected at all times.
“The constitution provides that the integrity and sanctity of both the legislature and the executive arms of government must be protected at all times. If it cannot be protected, then it is unfortunate.” Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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i so much love dis no body is above d law
ReplyDeleteyesss oooo all dis abokies can do on do.all dis ashawo children wey full noth no get respct.we notherners self.
ReplyDeleteThe institution is already undermined with so called honorables that should in all frankness be in prison for mass corruption and vulgar immoralities. The people of Nigeria really hate them but are forced to bow to them because of hunger. Wicked souls
ReplyDeleteHe should allow it to fulfill all righteousness. Jesus submitted to John's baptism, so what's the big deal in searching speakers car? Nobody is above the law.
ReplyDeleteThe situation is most unfortunate. I am begining to think that the President has a hand in all these non- challant attitude of security agents, if not, this is not the 1st, 2nd or 5th incident in the country and the President has not called anyone to order. Is this what he is encouraging among the citizens? I vividly remember when Obasanjo flogged a war against indiscipline man publicly for harassing students in Kogi state, if such incidents are corrected by the President I think things will be back to normal.
ReplyDeleteGej is yet to say who the BH sponsors are but we know the are in the upper echelon of government. Let the soldiers frisk even the President's car; if it will improve security.
ReplyDeleteSo democracy will be undermined because rhe speaker's car was searched but it is ok when those who elected him are searched in even more humiliating manner like we see everyday in Nigeria. Double standard apologists.
ReplyDeleteprotected my foot! Because he is the speaker does not mean that his car can not be wired with explosives! All these government officials should and must be checked, we are not saying that they are suspects but those evil men whom have been confirmed to be in government can take advantage of the fact that their vehicles are immuned to security checks and plan their evil deeds. so checking cars is for the good of the individuals who are shouting embarrassment! kudos to the military guys
ReplyDeleteLet everybody be checked. Boko haram can hide anything anywhere.
ReplyDeleteMr Speaker dont be annonyed for everybody safety.
Why do you like publishing unbalanced stories? Why should they not search his car? What is the nature of this search? Could it have taken 5mins to check his boot and under the car? Is it not honourable to allow the search let others see that no one is above scrutiny?
ReplyDeleteWhat does 'frisk a car' mean? What sort of story is this? One to cause discord and unrest?
We don't know who to trust again
ReplyDeleteThumps up for the soldiers for their professionalism. Insurgents can disguise in any form to hit their targets, I wonder why Nigerians are always vilifying the Military even when they stake their lives to save us. Those who want to destroy this country are those criticizing all the actions of the security agencies.Nigerians now are wiser and will not accept all the useless talks by those sympathetic to the insurgents.Soldiers are doing their job and people are still complaining.complaining. Haba! God dey ooo!
ReplyDeleteIs the speaker above the law? As a matter of fact this country is on red alert so every one is a suspect including the president
ReplyDeletei don't think there is a story out of this except here in Nigeria. if his official car is wired he (Tambuwal) may not be aware of that, so, he should not take it as if something outrageous has happened. lead by example please
ReplyDeleteGod bless those soldiers...... Dis is wat I av been expecting!!!!!! Even if it d president he sould be search too cos d enemies could plant sometin harmful on him or his convoys
ReplyDeletewhen some people fail to perform their duties, we point accusing fingers at the President. when some others perform theirs, we also accuse Mr President. Let people understand that the President has his constitutional roles just like any other citizen. so he is not expected to perform d duties of others. Mr. speaker's car was searched not disrespect him but for his own safety and dt of others. the speaker cannot vouch for all his aides that they can't be agent(s) to terrorists, and there4 could capitalise on d immunity(easy passage) d speaker enjoys to carry explosives or other dangerous items into d venue without d speaker knowing it. Lawmakers should learn to lead by example by obeying d laws they enacted. they(laws) are not burdensome.do not sow seeds of discord for whatever a man sows that he shall reap as well. God bless our fatherland, Nigeria.
ReplyDeleteSo the president's car should not be spared cos what is good for the goose is good for the gander
ReplyDeleteSo the president's car should not be spared cos what is good for the goose is good for the gander
ReplyDeleteSearching the speaker's should not generate any fuss.
ReplyDeleteThis is a real “wellcome“ developement,i hope the search will be extended to the governors and the “bigest crook“ in the country (the president).
ReplyDeleteMr speaker u are not God,so u can also b checked.Its for your safety sir
ReplyDeleteIts like the search is made 4 d poor? If his conscience is clear, what is there in the search? How many seconds will d search take? So a political office holder who goes 2 an ATM 2 withdraw some money should enter his password, or shouldn't wait 4 d ATM 2 verify his particulars b4 payment. That is Nigerian mentally, how I wish u are opportune 2 travel 2 USA. Obama or any other public holder behaves maturely and with simple life like others.
ReplyDeleteNigerians , what is wrong in searching the speaker`s car? Was the speaker himself searched ?, it was only the car that was search which even belongs to the Federal Government of Nigeria . I believe the speaker is not making any case about that , it is only some people that are talking .
ReplyDeletePls tell this TARAUNI to stop abusing the president. If the president is stealing it is God that will judge and not any human. The holy Bible condemns your actions. I believe you lack proper home training.
ReplyDeleteAll of you shut up what do you know about security? If speakers car was subjected to check it is very good because we can not vouch for him as to whether he is one of the sponsors of BH orderwise why hasn't he condame the BH or call them to order.Non sense every thing you refer to President what is the president got to do with security search please let me hear word
ReplyDeleteI wonder why some people like to peach them self against God by abusing the President Taranu mind you language
ReplyDelete