Abuja Bombing: NASS Tightens Security, As Senate Debates Motion

ABUJA, Oct 05, (THEWILL) - The National Assembly today announced strict security measures to secure the complex in the wake of the October 01, 2010 bombings in Abuja that occurred very close to the three arms zone where the complex and other government offices are located.

This is coming as the Senate today announced that it would entertain a motion on Wednesday that would discuss the twin bomb blast of October 1, during the 50th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence.

Olumuyiwa Adejokun, who is the Acting Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, told a press conference that the new security measure was informed by the fact that the National Assembly was listed as one of the prime targets by the bombers.

He also gave insight into the reason for stopping the bus shuttle explaining that the decision was to control the inflow of visitors into the Assembly. Other measures which the management would deploy include restriction of visitors, movement and a log to monitor the frequency of visits to every office.

Henceforth, visitors according to him would not be allowed to drive their cars into the premises adding that they will have to leave their cars outside the complex. With the new arrangement, non-driving staff and visitors would trek about 500 meters from the gate to their various offices. However, Mr. Adejokun said the measures are in the best interest of everyone.

"For the safety of every human being communing in here, we need to do this," he said.

He also stated that some strategic offices in the assembly complex would henceforth be closed to the public including restriction on the use personal laptops to access the free internet facilities provided by the management.

However, the planned debate on the floor on Wednesday is sequel to the motion sponsored by Senator Anthony Manzo (PDP Taraba). In the motion, he drew the attention of the Senate to the incident which he described as a national embarrassment for necessary legislative action. Senator Manzo said the bombings, which is believed, was masterminded by a terrorist residing outside the country embarrassed dignitaries that were invited from other nations. Manzo condemned the attack that led to the death of 12 persons with many others wounded.

The senate is expected to come up with resolutions condemning the act and "urging" the government to tackle the rise in insecurity in the country. It might also hasten the passage of an anti terrorism bill which is currently before the legislators.