Daily Lens Report
During a public hearing on Tuesday, the Chairman of the House Committee on Internal Security, Garba Muhammad, disclosed that terror groups have reportedly plotted to bomb the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, a revelation that has triggered serious concerns over legislative continuity and democratic stability.
Muhammad warned that if the legislative complex’s vulnerabilities are not urgently addressed, the House may be forced to suspend plenary sessions and other core functions—including representation, oversight duties and budget approval—thereby endangering the nation’s democratic foundations.
He described a range of recent security breaches: thefts of vehicles, vandalism, infiltration via fake identity cards, and entry by unregistered visitors. He also noted that legislators face threats not only from terrorist actors, but from protesters and constituents who have accessed offices without formal appointments.
To counter these risks, the proposed bill to establish a Legislative Security Directorate was presented as a proactive measure to bolster parliamentary security. The directorate would coordinate security operations for the National Assembly and adopt global best practices. Muhammad further urged state-level Houses of Assembly to assess and upgrade their security frameworks, stressing that attacks on legislative institutions are attacks on democracy itself.
Muhammad emphasised the dual need for accessibility and protection, noting: “Parliament has to remain open to the public… however, this bill is committed to ensuring the best security architecture to protect legislators, staff, visitors and property.”
