IGP Is Enemy Of Democracy – Senate

• Unfit to hold office

BY SEGUN ADEBAYO, ABUJA – The Senate on Wednesday declared that the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Kpotun Idris, is an enemy of democracy, having failed for the third time in two weeks to appear in person before the Senate.

The nation’s number one police officer, who was slated to appear before the Upper legislative chamber on Wednesday to brief lawmakers on the spate of killings and alleged inhuman treatment of Senator Dino Melaye, refused to honour the invitation.

The IGP had failed to show up on two previous occasions. He however sent his Deputy Inspector General (Operations), Habila Jozak to represent him.

Senate was not particularly pleased with the conduct of the IGP; bluntly refusing to entertain his representative and insisting that he returned on Wednesday to brief it in person.

But to their disappointment, the IGP for the third time stayed away and this time he did not bother to send a representation.

Senate is livid by the action of the IGP with Senate Leader, Ahmad Lawan calling for serious action against the IGP whom he said should no longer continue to occupy the position.

In his contribution, Deputy Minority Leader, Emmanual Bwacha described the conduct of the IGP as a sad commentary for democracy; adding that it clearly showed lack of capacity on the part of the IGP to remain in office.

Bwacha then called for a close session to enable lawmakers decide the fate of the IGP and to decide if they can swallow the embarrassment from the IGP.

To Senator Isa Misau, the attitude of the IGP is a ‘big embarrassment to Nigeria and against President Muhammadu Buhari who appointed him.

In his reaction, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe called for stiff punishment against the IGP, pointing out that by his actions; the Chief Police Officer has shown he has no respect for the Senate while calling for a close session.

After about 50 minutes of executive session, Senate reopened its doors and declared the IGP, Ibrahim Idris as unfit to occupy any position within Nigeria and abroad.

The upper legislative chamber also declared him a “great danger” and enemy of democracy.

The red chamber considered his conduct as a gross disrespect to it ; especially after court had overruled his earlier attempt to ignore Senate invitation.