Quote:By Onwuka Nzeshi 





The senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District in the upper chamber of the National Assembly, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, is currently at risk of prosecution and six months imprisonment. That is as the two chambers of the National Assembly move to take final steps on the infamous invasion of the Senate chambers and the snatching of the mace about a year ago.

The invasion of the chambers of the Senate, which occurred on Wednesday April 18,2018, threw the legislature into a momentary panic as some hoodlums suspected to have entered the hallowed chamber with Omo-Agege on that fateful day forcefully took away the mace. Although the mace was recovered under the bridge near the Abuja City Gate two days later, the National Assembly has been probing the circumstances that led to the unfortunate incident that saw some unknown persons breaking through all the security checks at the National Assembly. An Adhoc Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives was set up to investigate the incident and unravel the mystery. New Telegraph gathered that the report of the Adhoc Committee, which investigated the invasion has been slated for debate next week.


A source in the Senate confirmed that the Adhoc Committee headed by Senate Deputy Majority Leader. Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah, actually completed its work some months ago but the exigencies of time particular during the election season had not permitted its consideration. It was also gathered that a similar Adhoc Committee of the House of Representatives which also investigated the matter has also completed its assignment and would also consider the report of its findings next week. New Telegraph learnt that the two chambers might be considering their separate reports on the same day to ensure they dispensed with the matter before the expiration of the life span of the 8th National Assembly.


A source familiar with workings of the investigative committees said the reports indicted Omo-Agege and some other major actors for their alleged roles in the invasion and mace snatching saga. According to the source, all those indicted have been recommended for appropriate sanctions as contained in the Legislative Powers and Privileges Act which recommended a minimum of six months imprisonment for the obstruction of lawmakers in the performance of their legislative duties. Omo-Agege was reportedly indicted on the strong suspicion that the hoodlums who violated the rules by invading the red chambers and snatching the mace were in his entourage and acted on his instructions.

The lawmaker had defied a suspension order placed on him and resumed duties at plenary that fateful morning in the company with some strange elements. Although Omo-Agege would have been sent on another suspension, he was quick to approach the courts for an order restraining the Senate from taking any drastic action against him. Sources in the know about the report said that the report classified some actions as major and minor culprits and that punish, nets were recommended accordingly.