Why security measures were emplaced around Senate President’s office- Source

Contrary to widespread misleading media reports, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio did not bar any group of persons from passing through the walkway leading to his office.

What the memo issued by the Sergeant-at-Arms did was to advise groups of persons against converging on the walkway.

The measure, THE CONCLAVE learnt, was taken to decongest the walkway in light of emerging security considerations.

The memo signed by the Sergeant-At-Arms, Etido Ekpo, directed all aides of senators to use alternative routes to access the Senate chamber instead of the walkway leading to the office of the Senate President.

A source close to the development explained that the decision was taken as a proactive measure to avert possible security breaches.

The source hinted that the walkway to the office of the Senate President was always crowded by aides, visitors, security aides, and some people whose identities could not be ascertained or confirmed.

Furthermore, the source disclosed that in this era of growing insecurity, nothing must be left to chance, hence the new measures to restrict those who are not lawmakers from accessing the walkway.

In addition, the source expressed disappointment at some media reports, alluding to the fact that the Senate President gave the directive.

The source noted that the Senate President was the number three (3) citizen and Chairman of the j(oint session) of the National Assembly, and therefore his office must be protected and not be rendered vulnerable to security threats.

The source, however, advised the media to stop misinterpreting plain memos and circulars so as to create mischief and disaffection between leaders and their followers.

The Conclave