Finally, The Stolen Mace Returned To Senate, NASS Beefs Up Security [Photos]

The Nigerian Senate Mace which was stolen by thugs who invaded the National Assembly, have been returned.

The mace which was used for today’s plenary session, was handed over to the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mohammed Sani-Omolori by a Deputy Inspector General of Police at about 11:45am. The clerk in turn took it into the Senate chamber.

Deputy President of the Senate, Mr Ike Ekweremadu, made the disclosure at plenary, and said that the mace, the symbol of authority of the legislature, was returned to the National Assembly by the police.

Here are photos below;

It was also gathered that security was beefed up at the National Assembly complex after Wednesday’s invasion of the Senate by some hoodlums, who made away with the mace.

NAN reported that deployed heavily-armed security personnel at the complex, who were conducting serious search of vehicles entering the premises.

Also, an additional checkpoint was mounted at the entrance of the Three Arms Zone, near the Federal Secretariat, with heavy presence of policemen monitoring movement around the area. The doors to Senate Wing lobby, which were hitherto often open were closed and manned by security officers, who ensured that those who walked through the area were properly identified.

An official of Sergeant-At-Arms Unit, who pleaded anonymity, told NAN that henceforth, nobody would be allowed to evade security checks even when in the company with a legislator. The source disclosed that those who invaded the assembly on Wednesday made their way into the Senate chamber because they were in company with a lawmaker and were not properly checked.

He said “going forward, anybody entering the complex must go through proper security check irrespective of whose company they might be or their mission.’’ Officials of Sergeant-At-Arms’ unit insisted that people displayed their identity cards and those without identity were not allowed into the complex.