Posted by From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation on
The State Security Service (SSS) has quizzed four members of the House of Representatives over a threat message to Speaker Dimeji Bankole and alleged plot to cause mayhem in the House.
The State Security Service (SSS) has quizzed four members of the House of Representatives over a threat message to Speaker Dimeji Bankole and alleged plot to cause mayhem in the House.
The lawmakers were quizzed last Thursday and Friday.
It was learnt that the questioning was part of the ongoing investigations into an alleged plots to cause disorder in the House over a pending report on the power sector probe.
The Nation had exclusively reported that the SSS had stumbled on a text message sent to Bankole, and members of the House through a line, 08051162622. The text message read: "Horrible Honourable. Are you the only lawmaker who has seen something wrong in the power sector? The President is using you for ethnic cleansing. We give you till November 5 to discard the power sector report or we will bring down the complex (chamber) at any time." Based on the text message, the SSS was able to zero in on the five lawmakers.
A source said: "The SSS invited the lawmakers last Tuesday but they could not honour the invitation until Thursday and Friday. Although some of those questioned had publicly denied their involvement in any plot, the security agency decided to conduct its normal checks.
"Do not forget that one Farouk Umar, had appeared before the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges that he was engaged by some members to destabilise the House. Such a matter cannot just be ignored by security agencies.
"The affected lawmakers insisted on their innocence and that they did not at anytime hold nocturnal meetings with anybody or group."
The source added that the SSS might submit its report to the House which will decide on what to do with it.