The invasion of the Senate Chamber on Wednesday by hired thugs, who also forcibly took away the Mace, has been strongly condemned by former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi.

“I received the news of this abominable act with utmost shock. Not even in my wildest dreams did I imagine that thugs would brazenly invade the hallowed chambers of the National Assembly, disrupt Senate proceedings, snatch and take away the Mace, the very symbol of authority of the upper chamber,” Obi said on Thursday afternoon.

Speaking to the press at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Obi, who just arrived from featuring in the 2018 Commonwealth Business Forum in London, said: “This is unfortunate, coming at this level of our political development. It is extremely worrisome for the level of our democracy.

“It is also a security issue. If this can happen in such a place as the National Assembly, it shows that no place is safe.”

The former Governor commended the lawmakers for promptly rising in defence of the country’s democracy during the unfortunate incident.

“I also commend the police for rising to the occasion and arresting the suspected perpetrators of this shameful act. I urge urgent and thorough investigation into the incident so that the suspects may have their day in court and face justice so as to serve as a deterrent to others who may be habouring the thought of embarking on such treasonable act in future,” Obi said.

•Photo shows Lord Marland of Odstock (left), Chairman, Advisory Board of Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, with Mr. Peter Obi at Commonwealth Business Forum in London which ended on Wenesday.

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