Some members of the House of Representatives on Wednesday called on the federal government to release the leader of Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), Ibrahim Elzazaky.
The members made the call while contributing to a motion of urgent public importance moved by the Minority leader, Ndudi Elumelu on the invasion of National assembly by the group on Tuesday.
IMN members, better known as Shiites, had on Tuesday almost breached the second gate of the national assembly that resulted to confrontation with the security personnel stationed there. The group vandalised some civilian and security vehicles around the entrance of the complex, throwing stones and attacking security personnel.
During Wednesday’s plenary, Elumelu, in his motion, queried the security arrangement at the National Assembly premises which allowed members of the movement to breach the gate of complex.
The lawmaker added that the breach further exposed the porous nature of the National Assembly.
However, another Rep, Onofiok Luke raised a point of order, coming under Section 4 of the 1999 constitution which empowers the National Assembly to make laws for the good governance of the country.
He stressed that the National Assembly should call on the federal government to release Elzakzaky.
“This house have the power to legislate on matters of security, our conversation must be in line with views of Nigeria.
“The challenges of the country, if the court has given an order for the release of the man, we should call on the government to release him. The discourse should not be on the invasion of the National assembly or the chamber.”
Bamidele Salami from Osun State also called on the federal government to release the leader of the sect.
“we have to address the root cause of the Shiite movement. Three years ago, the military unleashed an unimaginable violence against unarmed civilians. The man held in detention has been released by several courts of jurisdiction. I appeal to the government to released the man.
“We need to be more proactive so that we do not repeat the Boko Haram trend. Injustice in one place, is injustice everywhere.”
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