Workers at Nigeria's National Assembly today got more than what they bargain for as the combined team of security agencies subjected them to rigorous screening as Jonathan submits 2012 budget.
Workers at Nigeria's National Assembly today got more than what they bargain for as the combined team of security agencies subjected them to rigorous screening as Jonathan submits 2012 budget.
googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('content1'); });
A team of heavily armed anti riot mobile policemen and plain cloth operatives were stationed at the main gate. Also a mobile scanning vehicle was stationed at the main gate scanning all vehicles coming in and out of the National Assembly complex. At the second gate where a dusty car park was located staff were asked to line up in a single file for check.
Soldiers were also stationed beside the gate brandishing with guns . But the entrance of the white House (main building) was a different ball game as staff were asked to follow the Senate or House of Rep. wing entrance after a long walk from the main gate.
There was confusion at the lobby as all the doors were shut forcing people to follow underground tunnel.
All the offices such as banks at the basement were forced to a lock down. Members of the Strike Force, snippers and police detectives took over the entire building for the fear of attack by Boko Haram sect members who listed President Goodluck Jonathan as one of their main targets.
National Assembly workers blamed the security for overzealousness in discharging their duty.
"These security men are not civilized in the manner they are conducting this check. We are not saying they should not search but the way and manner they are doing it is an eye service." A staff said.
President Jonathan later presented the budget proposal by noon before the joint session of both upper and lower House of the National Assembly.
googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('comments'); });
googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('content2'); });