The Nigeria Senate has reacted as expected, angrily to the treatment meted to one of their own, and Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Senator Dino Melaye by the Nigerian Police.
The matter was a topic of discussion amongst Senators while resuming for plenary today, and immediately they were seated, a motion was moved by Majority Leader Ahmed Lawan, for an immediate adjournment of sitting till 26th of April 2018. This was further seconded by minority leader Senator Akpabio from Akwa Ibom State.
After the Senators have moved that all other items on the order paper be stood down to another Legislative day, Senators were given the opportunity to hear their views on the issue, and one after the other they did, and not a single person supported the Nigerian police. See some of the views as put up on their social media handle:
Senator Sam Anyawu cites Order 43 and speaks on the incident that occurred yesterday, saying that Senator @dino_melaye was treated as a common criminal and also states that himself and his colleagues were denied access to Senator Dino in the National Hospital.
Senator Chukwuka Utazi states that Senator @dino_melaye has rights and as such, coercion will not work. “Due process should be followed if anyone seeks to oppose.”
“It was only an allegation against Senator @dino_melaye and since the matter is still in court, he should not be forced to go to Kogi.”- Senator @IsahMisau
“Senator @dino_melaye is being deprived of his fundamental human rights. This could happen to all of us some day.”- Senator Ibrahim Gobir
Senator @ShehuSani states his concern about systematic factors in the country and that all should remember there is no permanence in power. “What happened to Senator @dino_melaye is an abuse of power”.
Senator Aliero Adamu condemns the way Senator @dino_melaye was arrested and embarrassed, held by SARS like a common criminal. “If this can happen to a serving Senator, Democracy is being rubbished.”
“We did not vote this Government to abuse democracy. I condemn shameful act totally invite all those involved to speak to us and this case openly to the public.”- Senator Ubali Shitu
“Senator @dino_melaye is a very vocal person, he is being intimidated and targeted. It is clear that Dino Melaye is subject to inhumane treatment, let us all rise and condemn this act.”- Senator Joshua Lidani
Senator @oluremitinubu states that she is not in support of what happened to Senator @dino_melaye. “If Senators @dino_melaye and @OvieOmoAgege can be taken away by the police, it destroys the sanctity of this chamber.”
“The people look to the Senate for protection. “The average man needs protection just as we do.”- Senator @oluremitinubu