An X user identified as Citizen Observer has claimed that the national assembly will be sealed off over an alleged bomb threat.
In the post, the X user alleged that the national assembly was about to be shut down following a bomb scare.
The account warned that Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker of the house of representatives, who hails from Abia state, must not return to the south-east once the national assembly is sealed off.
“National Assembly in Abuja to be sealed over bomb threat. Benjamin Kalu and other efulefus in Abuja must not come home, they should remain in Abuja and enjoy their beloved One-Nigeria,” the X user wrote.
BACKGROUND
On October 28, Garba Muhammad, chairman of the house of representatives committee on internal security of the national assembly, said terrorists have issued a threat to bomb the national assembly.
Muhammed spoke during a public hearing organised for a bill seeking to establish the legislative security directorate in the national assembly, which will outline the qualifications and conditions of service for the sergeant-at-arms and other personnel.
The legislator said the large daily influx of people into parliament often provides criminals with opportunities to attempt infiltration and carry out unlawful activities.
“The national assembly is going through a lot of security challenges. We have experienced car thefts, motorcycle thefts, vandalism, fake Identity cards, and unwanted visitors accessing the national assembly without proper documentation, as well as petty trading, which gives the national assembly a small market appearance,” he said.
“We have received threats from terrorists to bomb the national assembly complex and threats from protesters to lock up the national assembly. Legislators are exposed to threats from constituents and others who gained easy access to their offices without any formal appointment.”
VERIFYING THE CLAIM
Findings by CableCheck showed that the X account regularly posts multimedia content — videos, photos, and reports— to highlight alleged state violence, political corruption, and ethnic bigotry, while promoting the Eastern Security Network (ESN) and calling for donations and awareness.
CableCheck spoke with Audu Bi-Allah, director of information at the national assembly, who debunked the claim as false.
“There is no such thing,” he said.
CableCheck also interviewed several staff members of the national assembly, who likewise dismissed the claim.
VERDICT
According to officials and lawmakers, there are no plans to shut down the national assembly over an alleged bomb threat.
