The Presidency and the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Suleiman Abba, have defended the deployment of security personnel to the National Assembly, claiming that the move was in defence of the 1999 Constitution and also to avoid a breakdown of law and order.

The IGP, in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Ojukwu, said the police made the move after it got intelligence report of a possible attack on the House by hoodlums.

Abba claimed that the Speaker stormed the House with a desperate crowed and attacked the police while security operatives were screening the members.

The IG warned politicians and their supporters to respect constituted authorities and follow due process as they pursue their ambition.

“The police shall apply the full weight of the law on any political actor who violates the peace and security of the nation”, he warned.

The Presidency in its own response said the public should not cast aspersion on the police over their action, which it said was aimed at ensuring that the laws of the land were obeyed.