Some Nigerians belonging to the Save Nigeria Project have called on the senate to investigate an accusation that a lawmaker is one of the main sponsors and financiers of banditry and kidnappings in the country.
The group held a protest at the Unity Fountain in Abuja on Tuesday, displaying placards with messages such as “Nigerians want to know the betrayer” and “We do not want any betrayer in the national assembly.”
There have been reports suggesting that a high-ranking senator, whose name has not been disclosed, is collaborating with terrorists to abduct and murder citizens throughout the country.
Solomon Semaka, the convener of the group, stated to journalists that the alleged involvement of this lawmaker may be the reason why the authorities have been unsuccessful in stopping these attacks on citizens.
Semaka emphasized the significance of the upper legislative chamber conducting an investigation into the allegation. This is crucial in order to regain the trust of the public in the national assembly as an institution.
“The rising incidents of kidnapping and banditry in recent times, even in the federal capital territory, is alarmingly worrisome,” Semaka said.
“Members of the national assembly cannot, therefore, afford to shy away from investigating their own and making their findings public.
“An unbiased public investigation is needed to assuage the anxiety of Nigerians at this point in time. There is no gainsaying that he who comes to equity must come with clean hands.
“Allegations as grave as the involvement of a high-ranking Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in criminal syndicates such as sponsoring insecurity should embarrass every Nigerian.
“To whom much is given, so much more is expected. Any Nigerian who has been deemed by his constituents to be voted in as a senator must leave above board. Anything short of that is unacceptable.
“The senate, as an institution too, cannot afford to degenerate to the level of harbouring criminals.
“We, therefore, urge the senate leadership to immediately cause an investigation into the veracity of this media reports and fish out the errant senator so as to restore the confidence of Nigerians in the senate.”
Semaka stated that if the Senate does not conduct the investigation, his group members will bring the protest to the National Assembly.
