The presidency has denied reports that alleged that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) were deployed to the National Assembly on Wednesday in relation to a plan to impeach the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
Speaking in a statement on Wednesday, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Senate Matters, Basheer Lado, said the reports are baseless and intended to sow seeds of discord between the executive, the legislature and among the lawmakers themselves.
Lado emphasized Tinubu’s respect for the separation of power between the executive and other arms of government.
While urging members of the public to disregard the reports of a planned impeachment, the presidential aide noted that any security presence within the National Assembly Complex is for the routine safety and protection of legislators and staff.
He stressed the commitment of the President to the free function of the legislature without interference.
The statement read: “The attention of this office has been drawn to online reports suggesting that security agents have been deployed to prevent senators from carrying out their legislative duties, particularly concerning an alleged impeachment of the Senate President.
“I wish to categorically state that these reports are unfounded and should be disregarded, as there is no discord within the ranks of the senators. The legislative body remains united in its commitment to advancing Nigeria’s democracy.
“The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is dedicated to fostering a harmonious working relationship among senators, recognizing the critical role of the Senate in driving legislative progress. He remains committed to ensuring that this collaboration is grounded in mutual respect, dialogue, and shared goals for the peace, progress, and prosperity of all Nigerians.
“The Senate continues to function freely and without interference. Any security presence within the National Assembly Complex is for the routine safety and protection of legislators and staff. I urge the public to disregard such unfounded publications that could undermine the integrity of the legislature.”
The statement follows earlier reports which claimed the DSS took over the National Assembly on Wednesday in relation to a planned impeachment of Akpabio over the harsh economic policies of the Tinubu administration.
Godswill Akpabio earlier refuted the claims and ordered the clerk of the house to investigate and report back to the lawmakers.
