News
UPDATED: House seeks state of emergency on security, summons NSA, Service Chiefs
By Tony Akowe, Abuja
The House of Representatives on Tuesday asked President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately declare a state of emergency in the security sector.
The House also directed all its security-related committees to immediately commence a comprehensive audit of all military and paramilitary assets, arms and ammunition currently in use by the armed services and report back within four weeks.
The House also summoned the National Security Adviser (NSA), Service Chiefs, Heads of Paramilitary agencies and the Managing Director of the Nigeria Communication Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) to brief the House on the security situation in the country.
Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila announced the resolutions of the House after about three-hour of an executive session.
Shortly after leading the House prayers and the national pledge, Gbajabiamila, who met with the President on Monday, directed the House Leader to move a motion for Plenary to dissolve into an executive session to enable the House to discuss “some national issues”.
When the House resumed plenary again at about 3.45 pm, the Speaker said: “Honourable members, the House at Executive session considered thoroughly and debate extensively issues surrounding security situation in the country today and approved the following resolutions.
“The House condemns attacks on security agents and formations across the country and sympathise with the families of those who lost their lives.
“The House sympathizes with all the families and communities that have been victims of banditry, terrorism and criminal elements in the country, particularly in Ukpo, Ifitedunu, Dunukofia, Geidam LGA, Abagana, IDP Camp in Makurdi Urikpam, Jato-Aka, Police Divisions in the South East, Ehime Mbano, Uzo-Uwani in Enugu State, Uzuakoli, Abia State, Balanga Local Government Area of Gombe State, and parts of Imo and Nationwide.
“The House reiterates its commitment to the security and cooperate existence of the federal republic of Nigeria and therefore accelerate engagement with stakeholders at a special security summit that is being organsied by the House of Representatives.
“The House urgently invites the National Security Adviser, Service Chiefs, Paramilitary chiefs and the MD of NIGCOMSAT to brief the House on the security situation in the country.
“Considering the security situation in the country, the President should immediately declare a state of emergency in the security sector so as to fast track all efforts at restoration of peace in our country
“The House urged the judiciary to accelerate the prosecution of those awaiting trial due to banditry, terrorism and kidnapping activities, while the government should provide emergency relief to all communities that have been affected in recent attacks across the country”.
