The House of Representatives on Tuesday, resolved to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the Department of State Service (DSS) over arrest of seven judges in some states across the country.
This followed a motion brought under Matters of Urgent National Importance by Rep. Kingsley Chinda (PDP-Rivers), which was unanimously adopted by members through a voice vote.
Chinda had in the motion expressed concern over the action of the arrest of the judges by the security operatives, saying that it was an invasion and a violation of the law.
He argued that section 53 sub-section 1 of the 1999 Constitution as amended clearly stated the principles of separation powers.
He recalled similar actions by the DSS in previous times, which had brought to question the statutory functions of the DSS.
The lawmaker said that if the activities of the security agency were not checked, the nation’s democracy may be tempered with.
According to him, the essence of the investigation which I am urging the house to carry out is to state clearly where the DSS derives its powers to prosecute on matters bordering on corruption.
One member of the house, Rep. Mojeed Alabi (APC-Osun), challenged the motion but was ruled out of order by the Speaker, Mr Yakubu Dogara, who stated clearly that the matter was important and should be treated urgently.
The house, therefore, announced that the ad hoc committee would be constituted immediately to investigate the matter and report back within six weeks. (NAN)
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