The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Internal Security, Garba Muhammad, has announced that the National Assembly has received threats from terrorists to bomb its complex. This alarming revelation underscores the urgent need to enhance security within Nigeria’s legislative institution.
During a public hearing on a bill to establish the Legislative Security Directorate, aimed at improving security management, Muhammad highlighted the increasing security challenges facing the National Assembly. These include incidents of car and motorcycle theft, vandalism, and the infiltration of unregistered visitors. He stressed that legislators are vulnerable to threats, including potential violence from constituents who can easily access their offices.
Muhammad warned that failure to address these threats could disrupt legislative operations, with severe implications for governance and democracy. He stated, “If activities are thwarted, there will be no representation, no oversight, no annual budget, no plenary at all, and that will destabilize legislative procedure, democracy, and the stability of the system, and our nation at large.”
He emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to security management, integrating various elements to secure the legislative environment effectively. The proposed bill aims to adopt best practices in parliamentary security procedures and architecture to safeguard lawmakers, staff, visitors, and property.
While maintaining public accessibility to the National Assembly is crucial for upholding democratic values, Muhammad asserted that security measures must not be compromised. He encouraged state Houses of Assembly across Nigeria to implement similar initiatives to ensure comprehensive legislative security nationwide. He called for collective commitment to passing the bill, viewing it as a significant step towards securing Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
