NATIONAL ASSEMBLY RESTRICTS ACCESS TO SENATE PRESIDENT AKPABIO’S OFFICE OVER SECURITY CONCERNS

The National Assembly has announced new security measures restricting access to the corridor leading to the office of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, citing security concerns. In a memo signed by Sergeant-at-Arms Etido Ekpo on Thursday, October 2, the National Assembly directed that the hallway connecting the Senate building to Akpabio’s office will now be reserved strictly for senators and members of the House of Representatives.

“You are kindly requested to disseminate this information to distinguished senators who would in turn intimate their aides or personal assistants as appropriate,” the memo stated. Ekpo, a retired Brigadier-General, explained that the restrictions aim to ensure a “secure and safe environment” for legislative duties.

As a result of the new directive, aides, personal assistants, and other unauthorized persons will no longer be allowed access to the corridor. The move comes ahead of the National Assembly’s resumption of plenary sessions on October 7, following a recess of over two months.

The Senate President’s office is typically a heavily guarded area within the National Assembly complex, but until now, legislative aides had relatively free access. Ekpo’s memo underscores the National Assembly’s efforts to bolster security measures within the complex.