Despite public outcry, Reps step down motion on border closure

The House of Representatives on Wednesday stepped down a motion on the closure of Nigerian borders initiated by Federal Government.

The motion which was sponsored by Hon. Valentine Ayika was aimed at soliciting for the “understanding of the Executive on the closure of the Southern and Northern borders of Nigeria.”

While speaking on the intent of the motion, Hon. Ayika prayed the leave of the government to assist genuine users of the closed border in the regions.

The lawmaker who acknowledged the reasons advanced by the government for the closure to check insecurity and economic sabotage through the porous borders, however, decried the shock of the closure without due notice.

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He lamented that the multiplier effect of the sudden closure of the borders was “massive as it adversely affected businesses of genuine users of the borders.”

Without much ado, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Ahmed Wase who presided over the plenary session argued that the border closure was in the security and national interest of Nigeria.

He, therefore, argued that the Legislature should not be seen to be standing in the way of the Executive to do what is right.

When he put the voice vote, the majority of the lawmakers chorused ‘nay’ as the Deputy Speaker ruled that the motion should be stepped down.