馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
House of Representatives passes bill to professionalise National Assembly security
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Nigeria's House of Representatives has passed legislation to professionalise the National Assembly's internal security structure by overhauling the office of the Sergeant-at-Arms. The bill mandates that the head of the National Assembly Security Directorate, the Sergeant-at-Arms, will be appointed by the National Assembly Service Commission from serving legislative personnel, rather than retired military or external security officers. This reform addresses long-standing concerns about reliance on external appointees, which critics argue weaken institutional independence and limit career progression for legislative staff. The push for reform gained momentum after security breaches, including the 2018 invasion of the Senate chamber. The new law requires eligible officers to have at least 15 years of service in the National Assembly, a minimum rank of Assistant Director, and no record of indiscipline. The legislation also elevates the office of the Sergeant-at-Arms to a full directorate with a renewable four-year tenure, up to two terms. Staff will enjoy conditions of service similar to other National Assembly staff, or the Nigeria Police where applicable. The proposed law allows the Sergeant-at-Arms to carry arms within the National Assembly complex with presidential approval, for self-defense or defense against imminent threats, and to prevent serious crimes or arrest dangerous individuals. Sponsored by Akintunde Rotimi, the bill aims to create a career-driven, institutionally
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
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Members of the Take-It-Back Movement in Kwara State staged a peaceful protest in Ilorin, demanding the immediate rescue of residents abducted across various communities and issuing a 72-hour ultimatum to the government. The protesters marched from Tanke Junction to the Government House, highlighting concerns over rising kidnappings and violent attacks in areas like Edu, Patigi, Ifelodun, and Kwara South. Saidu Tsaragi, the Kwara State Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, stated that insecurity has made Democracy Day meaningless for families with loved ones in captivity, citing seven people from Yaashikira and others from Edu, Patigi, and Kwara South still held. He urged Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to rescue the victims or resign. Protesters criticized the government for not prioritizing the plight of abducted residents and failing in its constitutional duty to protect citizens. They warned of escalating actions, including wider mobilization across Kwara State and a call for the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on insecurity, if their demands are not met within 72 hours. The movement emphasized that the protest is not politically motivated but driven by concern over increasing kidnappings and vowed to return to the Government House if their demands are not met.
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