TheCable

Mattew Uroghide, senator representing Edo south, says he was harrased by thugs in front of Godwin Obaseki, Edo governor, and the state’s commissioner of police.

The attack which took place at the Benin airport on Saturday followed his call on the senate to invoke section 143 of the constitution against President Muhammadu Buhari over the payment of $469 million for 12 Tucano aircraft without the approval of the national assembly.

Speaking on the floor of the senate on Wednesday, Uroghide asked the senate to fish out those behind the attack on him and bring them to book.

The senator explained that what he asked the upper legislative chamber to do was borne out of his responsibility as a lawmaker.

“For the first time in my life, I was embarrassed, especially for the fact that it stemmed from my responsibility as a senator. Hoodlums were sent to waylay me. I stood up to make my contributions as chairman, public accounts and the letter transmitted to the senate had to do with funds,” he said.

“I mentioned without fear of contradictions that it was a noble idea but that the procedure for the payment was wrong. This is because there was no appropriation and that section 80 of the constitution provides so and that schedule 7 puts a burden on us to do the needful.

“I said we should invoke section 143, which provides for investigation and other things. For someone to mobilise thugs to humiliate me is unacceptable. A thug removed my cap and threw it away in front of my state governor and commissioner of police.

“Besides, I have privilege to say what I said which was misconstrued. I plead with this house that those behind the attack should be fished out and punished to serve as deterrent. Nobody should take us for granted. In fact, the state house of assembly said I should apologise within 72 hours else they will commence the process for my recall.”

On his part, Senate President Bukola Saraki described the attack on Uroghide as unfortunate.

“There is no colleague here that will not agree that we condemn the act of molestation or harassment. The legislative and privileges act gives us immunity over whatever we say in plenary. It is unfortunate,” Saraki said.

“I am happy the chairman police affairs is here. He should make sure that those behind the attack are brought to book.”