The House of Representatives has urged the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to unseal the Anambra State House of Assembly.
The lawmakers also called on Idris to withdraw his men from the complex for members to access their offices for legislative functions.
The resolution followed a motion, under matters of urgent public importance, by Rep Tope Olaniyonu (PDP-Kwara) at the Tuesday plenary presided over by Speaker Yakubu Dogara in Abuja.
Moving the motion titled: “Illegal and unconstitutional take over and seal off of Anambra State House of Assembly Complex by Commissioner of Police,” the lawmaker condemned the act.
“The House notes that on Nov. 15, the Anambra State House of Assembly was besieged by a legion of policemen on the directive of the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Haruna Mohammed.
“The House further notes that the staff of the assembly were ordered to report at the Office of the Head of Service of the state without justifiable reason.
“The House is aware that there was no likelihood of possible breakdown of law and order in the assembly to warrant the seal of the state assembly,” he said.
According to Olaniyonu, the action was perpetuated to frustrate the icon of democracy which is the legislature from performing its constitutional functions.
He said the Commissioner of Police and Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra State violated the spirit and principles of the 1999 Constitutions (as amended) and the Legislative House Powers and Privileges Act, 2017.
When the motion was put on a voice vote by the Speaker, Mr Dogara, it was unanimously adopted by the lawmakers.
The speaker thereafter set up a team to interface with the state assembly members and Obiano on a quick and lasting solution to the crisis.
The team was given four weeks to conclude its assignment and report back to the House for further legislative action. (NAN)
