Soldiers Detain House Of Reps Speaker Aminu Tambuwal In Kaduna

Stern looking armed soldiers earlier today in Kaduna detained the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, insisting his official car must be searched before he could be allowed into an international conference he was due to deliver a speech. Angered by the conduct of the soldiers,  the Speaker came out of the car and trekked into the venue.

The incident occurred at Hotel 17, venue of an  International conference on security and development challenges of pastoralism in West and Central Africa organised by the office of the National Security Adviser. This is coming barely days after four state governors of the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC were treated in the same manner by soldiers acting 'on orders from above'

While Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa was prevented from flying from the Yola airport, Governors Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers, Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano and Adams Oshiomhole of Edo state were prevented by soldiers from entering Ado Ekiti to attend the final campaign rally of Governor Kayode Fayemi, all also acting on 'orders from above.' Tambuwal is believed to be top on the target of the President Goodluck Jonathan administration for his critical stance against the executive.

The Speaker,  who arrived the venue of the gathering at exactly 9.16 am for the 10.00 am local time opening ceremony, had his convoy stopped by soldiers who insisted they must search his official car before he could be allowed into the venue.

Despite much entreaties by security details attached to the Speaker, the soldiers refused, with some saying they have orders from above to search the Speaker. Incidentally, other VIPs, especially Governors,  who attended the conference were allowed access into the hotel without hindrance. The Speaker is the number Four in protocol hierarchy in the Federation,  after the President, Vice-President, and the Senate President.

When contacted for his reaction, Tambuwal's spokesman,  Malam Imam Imam, decried the conduct of the soldiers, saying their attitude undermines the institution of the legislature. "It is not about the person of the Speaker, but the office he is occupying. What we expect is for the security agents to show respect for the office of the Number 4 citizen of the country, " he said.