…Lawan urges security agencies to stop killings
By Hillary Asemota
No doubt Nigeria is indeed in dire insecurity strait, a manifestation of troubled times better described as one excruciating moment for the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan and by extension a greater percentage of Nigerians because of the senseless killings and maiming across the country.
In a brutally Frank mood, Lawan, told the security agencies to be alert and do more to stop the heightening spate of insecurity across states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) perpetrated by terrorists.
This is coming even as he charged political leaders to be alive to their responsibility of ensuring the protection of lives of citizens.
Lawan, while addressing lawmakers shortly before the upper chamber adjourned for its annual recess, bemoaned the incessant killing and maiming of Nigerians by terrorists.
He assured that the National Assembly would provide the needed support to the military to ensure the restoration of security to affected parts of the country.
He said: “I am particularly concerned like all of us here, through our various interactions, including a very important closed session we had today.
“We (Federal Government) have to be alert and alive to our responsibility, particularly to secure and protect the lives of our citizen.
“The security situation has been a very difficult and challenging one, but, recently, there has been an increase of attacks, killings and maiming of our citizens.
“As part of this administration, we will always provide the kind of support at our military and other security agencies require.
“We have done that before through appropriation and approval of supplementary budget of 2022, where over N900 billion was given as additional funding to our security agencies.
“We know that it may not be enough, but that is significant, and we expect our security agencies to do far better than they are doing at the moment.
“As political leaders, we must have it in mind that we are responsible to the citizens.”
The Senate President, informed lawmakers that they might be called upon during recess to attend to national emergencies should the need arise.
Earlier, the Senate Minority Leader, Philip Aduda (FCT), protested the worsening security situation in Nigeria.
Rising under a point of order not cited, he requested the chamber to give a six-week ultimatum to President Muhammadu Buhari to address the issue of insecurity or face impeachment.
Aduda in his words, said, “Mr. President, you may wish to recall that during the closed session we discussed the issues as they relate to security in the country and all the issues around it.
“[And] we had also discussed that we are going to come back to plenary to discuss the efforts that have been made so far on the issue of security in the country, after which we give an ultimatum to the President that he resolves this issue, otherwise we give an impeachment notice.”
The Senate President, while delivering a ruling on Aduda’s point of order, faulted the lawmaker for failing to put forward his request in accordance with the upper chamber’s rules which regulates its proceedings.
Lawan in his ruling said, “Minority leader, when you’re going to come under a point of order, first, you’re supposed to cite the order.
“Secondly, you’re supposed to discuss with me what you’re going to raise on the floor. You didn’t.
“Thirdly, we have already passed that stage. So, at this moment, I really don’t know what the point of order is, as such it falls flat on its face.”