Democracy Under Serious Attack In Nigeria: See What Is Happening Hours After PDP Senators Force Their Way Into Senate Through Back Gate (Photos)

In anticipation of a possible opening of the Senate chamber by lawmakers loyal to President Muhammadu Buhari, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), have taken over the National Assembly complex.

Sanni Onogu, the chief press secretary to the Senate president, had on August 6, sent a message to journalists covering the National Assembly to be on the alert over a possible reopening of the Red Chamber, The Sun reports.

Onogu’s statement had read: “All members of the press corps are hereby invited to be at the Senate, on Tuesday, 7th August by 7:00am to witness the plan by some senators to break into the Senate Chambers and hold an illegal session. Thanks.”

Some 30 pro-Buhari senators allegedly had a meeting overnight with the director general of the SSS, Lawan Daura, to plot the impeachment.

8.15 a.m The lawmakers, who were initially denied access, were called in by security officers. Senators Ben Murray Bruce, Biodun Olujimi, Rafiu Ibrahim, Isa Misau, Abdullahi Gumel all entered the premises.

According to Bankole Omisore, an aide of Senate President Bukola Saraki, the lawmakers have reportedly forced their way into the premises through the back gate of the complex, but their offices and the chambers are still locked.

8: 45am More PDP senators are trickling into the premises and are trying to force their way into the chambers which is still under lock and key.

8:50am Senator Ben Bruce addresses journalists, says Senator Akpabio and APC senators are the arrowhead of the DSS invasion all in an attempts to impeach Senate President, Bukola Saraki.

PDP senators in front of the chambers include: Senator Gilbert Nnaji (Enugu), Senator Abiodun Olujimi (Ekiti), Senator Ben Bruce (Bayelsa), Senator Aidoko Ali (Kogi), Senator Peter Nwaoboshi (Delta). Senator Emmanuel Bwacha (Taraba), Senator Rafiu Ibrahim (Kwara), Senator Ahmed Ogembe (Kogi) andSenator Isa Misau (Bauchi).

Sources claimed that the senators have planned to elect the senate leader, Ahmed Lawan, as Senate President and Hope Uzodinma as his deputy.