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Senate on Wednesday summoned National Security Adviser, (NSA) Ali Mongunu and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) , Abubarka Malami to assist in the investigation of an alleged law passed by Kogi State on establishment of Vigilante Service in the state.
The Joint Senate Committee on Security, Intelligence and Judiciary is expected to interface with Malami and Mongunu on constitutional and security implications of passage of Vigilante Services in Kogi state.
The decision of the Senate was as result of point of order raised by Senator Dino Melaye who drew Senate’s attention to creation of state police by the Kogi state government through back door.
In his words: “I bring to the Senate, a law passed by the Kogi State House of Assembly and signed into law by the Governor of Kogi State on Establishment of Kogi State Vigilante group by the state government.
Melaye while speaking on the law enacted by Kogi state House of Assembly presented a copy of the law as evidence before the Red chamber arguing that the law is in contravention with the Nigeria constitution.
He argued further that the law alters the functions of Nigeria Police as stipulated in Section 214 of the Constitution of Nigeria.
” Mr. President, it is a fact that states can make laws through the Houses of Assembly as enshrined in Section 4 of the Constitution of Nigeria.
“But the laws they would make must not be in conflict with the provision of the Constitution, he said.
According to him, in the new law, “the Vigilante Groups are permitted to carry arms and assist other security agencies in detection and prevention of crimes.
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“There is record of killings in Okene, record of killing in Adavi, record of killing in Lokoja.
“This group is already carrying AK 47 and Pump Action riffles openly in Kogi”, he said.
Seconding the motion, Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio described the passage of the law as unfortunate from a youthful governor at time when Senate is planning to widen political space of young people.
“It is quite unfortunate it is Kogi again.
“And here we’re in the Senate trying to make laws to enable the youths who can go into elections to be voted for and we are seeing a very youthful governor to give the impression that we elders should continue to recycle ourselves because it is like the youths are not ready.
“But I do know that the youths are ready to contribute their quota towards nation building”, he said.
After conclusion of debate on the matter which was virtually supported by all senators, the Senate directed its standing Joint committee on National Security and Intelligence and Judiciary to invite National Security Adviser and Attorney General of Federation to look into the matter.
