But the House of Representatives ad hoc committee investigating allegations against the police chief frowned at the timing of his vacation.
Committee Chairman Douye Diri, leading the lawmakers probing the “purported harassment, intimidation and threat to life” leveled against the IG by DCP Abduyari Lafia, through a petition, expressed surprise yesterday that the IGP could not appear at the hearing after two invitations were sent to him.
Legal adviser to IG Idris told the panel that the police chief went on a three-week leave following President Muhammadu Buhari’s approval.
The lawyer also told the committee that the petition being investigated was already before a Court hence any presentation by the IG would be subjudice.
He also presented the Court’s summon from the IG and the petitioners.
But Diri said: “It is worrisome for the President to grant three weeks leave to the IG at this time that the country is experiencing crisis and the security situation is becoming very bad.”
The Adhoc committee members urged the Police to stop treating the Committee with disdain, noting that the sensitive matter before the Committee could drag the Police institution into public disrepute.
They resolved to mandate the IG to appear in person, on a day to be communicated.
The Lawmakers noted that the Court’s summon would enable the Committee to decide whether it could proceed with the investigative hearing.
The panel chair said “The matter the Committee is investigating had to do with corruption, harassment and threat to life, between a junior police officer and a senior police officer which when brought to the public domain is not good for the image, credibility and the integrity of the police institution.”
The Nation
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