Buhari Apologises After Security Aides Deny NASS Leadership Access To State House

President Muhammadu Buhari has apologised after security aides at the Aso Villa entrance denied the leadership of the National Assembly access to the State House.

The NASS leadership had honoured an invitation by President Buhari to attend a dinner slated for 8:30 p.m. at the Banquet Hall of the State House on Thursday.

But on arrival at the Presidential Villa main gate, the operatives of the State House Security insisted on screening the lawmakers individually before letting them in.

This had reportedly led to a mild drama that prompted the lawmakers to depart the Aso Rock in dismay.

But President Buhari, however, met behind closed doors at his official residence with the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and the Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, where he apologised to the lawmakers for the humiliation and rescheduled the dinner for October 31.

The President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina disclosed that the closed door meeting had the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and some presidential aides in attendance.

According to reports, President Buhari intended to discuss some national issues including the approved draft 2018 budget with the lawmakers at the cancelled dinner.