Saraki orders security beef up in N’Assembly

Sunday Aborisade

The Senate President, who is also the Chairman of the National Assembly, Bukola Saraki, has directed a review of all security arrangements in the federal parliament in order to keep the institution abreast of the current challenges in the country.

The Special Adviser to the Senate President on Security, Major General Saleh Maina (retd.), who stated this in a statement on Sunday, explained that the review of the security around the complex was part of the periodic plans to ensure better protection of lives and property.

He also said the latest security strategy would also help to improve on the existing arrangement.

Maina said in carrying out the directive of the Senate President, the heads of all security agencies in the complex and other officials whose portfolio have to do with security had met at different times to devise a common and water-tight plan.

He said, “Following the meetings, it has been decided that henceforth it is compulsory for all legislators, members of staff and visitors to the National Assembly to wear identity tag.

Mania also said that as part of the review of the security arrangements, there would be no loitering within and around the National Assembly by visitors and workers.

Maina added that all vehicles to the National Assembly must be parked at the appropriate designated parking lots.

He also said that there should be proper screening of personnel coming into the National Assembly as well as the scanning of their handbags and luggage.

The Special Adviser called on the security officials at the National Assembly to be polite and firm to all in the course of carrying out their duties.

He also said that there would be training and retraining of security personnel and members of staff of the National Assembly as well as general maintenance and upgrading of equipment.

He said this would ensure quick responses, communication and mobility in case of any security threat in any location within the National Assembly.

Maina explained that the training of the concerned staff at the National Assembly will further ensure proper collaboration and coordination among all security agencies working within the huge complex.