Murray-Bruce mobilises PDP Senators to NASS as rumours grow over plot to remove leaders

Senator Ben Murray-Bruce (Bayelsa East - PDP) has urged every lawmaker of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to head over to the National Assembly complex amid reports that theres a plot to replace the leadership of the upper legislative chamber.

Security operatives blocked the residences of Senate President, Bukola Saraki and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, early on Tuesday, July 24, 2018, leading to fears that Senators who are supporters of President Muhammadu Buhari will attempt to remove both leaders of the chamber.

In response, Murray-Bruce took to his Twitter account to urge every PDP Senator to head over to the complex to stop the plot.

He posted, "Every OfficialPDPNig Senator should immediately go to the NGRSenate. We must stop any attempt by loyalists of dictatorship to use the ensuing confusion to play a fast one and change the leadership of the Senate. Nigerians, be on guard. Help preserve independence of the Senate!"

As rumours of an impeachment plot grows, unusual police presence has been reported at the National Assembly complex, with crowds also gathering outside the gate.

Plenary is scheduled to commence by 11am but the status of both Saraki and Ekweremadu is currently unknown.

UPDATE

The Senate President arrived at the National Assembly complex around 10:40am and presided over the day's plenary.

It's unclear how he made it out of his residence, but he disclosed that Ekweremadu was unable to leave his house and was being questioned by security operatives.

EFCC questions Ekweremadu over money laundering

Reports later emerged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) questioned Ekweremadu over allegations of money laundering, conspiracy and abuse of office.

In a letter of invitation, dated July 24, the EFCC asked the lawmaker to show up at its office by 10am on Tuesday.

The letter read, "The commission is investigating the above mentioned case in which your name featured prominently and the need to obtain clarifications from you became imperative.

"In view of the above, you are kindly requested to report and interview the undersigned at 5, Famela Street Off Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent Wuse II, Abuja on Tuesday 24th July, 2018 at 10am prompt.

"This request is made pursuant to section 38 (1) of the Economic and Financial Crimes (Establishment) Act, 2004."

In a statement signed by Ekweremadu's Special Adviser on Media, Uche Anichukwu, early on Tuesday, he said the lawmaker was never invited until the morning siege.

Saraki condemned the actions of security operatives, saying that such should never be allowed in a democracy.