By Ibanga Isine, Abuja
Published: Monday, 5 Feb 2007

Okere told our correspondent on the phone that the cameras were mounted as part of measures to upgrade security at the National Assembly in a bid to forestall breaches.

Since terrorism was not restricted to certain parts of the world, he said that there was the need to watch people, especially visitors to the National Assembly.

”We can‘t say we are immune to terrorist activities when we know that the best thing to do is to prevent such activities,” he said.

He said that the cameras where not used to spy on the activities of the lawmakers but to prevent unlawful persons from entering or carrying out any activity that may cause a breach of security and peace at the Assembly.

According to him, the cameras were connected to a central monitor where dedicated staff were assigned to watch movements of people within the complex.

He drew attention to the new security arrangement at the gate of the Assembly, saying that even vehicles coming into the complex were being screened before they were allowed in.

But the spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Abike Dabiri, said that the leadership of the two chambers of the National Assembly would investigate the matter.

Dabiri said that the House would officially react to the matter on Tuesday, noting that there was a possibility that the cameras had also been installed in the House.

She confirmed that bugging devices were deployed in the National Assembly during the debate on the constitution amendment bill, which among other things, sought to extend the tenure of President Olusegun Obasanjo.