Senate Condemns DSS Arrest Of Judges
The Senate has condemned the Department of State Security (DSS) for the arrest and detention of some judges at the weekend. It says it is against the rule of law.
The senate said the action of the DSS was wrong as it did not confer with the NJC which is statutorily responsible for disciplining judges and other judicial workers.
It therefore mandated its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters to review all existing laws that deal with the Security agencies and bring them in line with the tenets of democracy. The committee was charged to report to the Senate in four weeks.
Sen. Joshua Lidania (Gombe South) raised a motion calling for the condemnation of the action of the DSS. He also prayed the Senate to summon the Director of the DSS, Lawal Daura to brief the Senate in a closed door. While the condemnation was agreed, the summon was not granted.
The senators all condemned the sting operation. They said that the action of the security operatives was wrong. Also, it is capable of affecting the country’s reputation in the international community.
The senate urged the President to call all security agencies to order. Also, he should direct the full observance of the Rule of Law in the discharge of their duties.
Senate Backs Anti-Corruption Drive Of The Presidency
Senate President, Bukola Saraki said the house is totally in support of the fight against corruption especially in the Judicial system.
He stressed the need to eradicate corruption in all spheres of the society. He said the National Assembly will continue to play its role to support the fight. However, he maintained it should be done in line within the ambit of rule of law.
The DSS arrested 7 senior judicial officers last weekend. They include John Okoro and Sylvester Nguta of the Supreme Court and a former Chief Judge of Enugu State, Innocent Umezulike.
Others are Nnamdi Dimgba and Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, Abuja; Kabiru Auta from Kano and Muazu Pindiga of Federal High Court in Gombe.
The judges were however released late Sunday.
