Members of the 10th House of Representatives on Tuesday unanimously resolved to adopt the reports of the 9th Assembly’s Special Committee on Security to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for implementation.
The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki who underscored the need to revisit the far-reaching recommendations on security in the report.
The lawmakers also called for the review of salaries and welfare of members of the Armed Forces and paramilitary organizations who risk their lives to keep the nation safe by improving their incentives.
In his lead debate, Dasuki said: “The House notes that Nigeria faces numerous security challenges, including insurgency, terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes, cybercrime, and general criminal activities affecting all regions and citizens’ lives.
“The House also notes that the 9th Assembly House of Representatives established a Special Committee on National Security on March 17, 2021, to address the severe deterioration in the nation’s security.
“The Committee comprised experienced lawmakers and experts in the field who worked closely with relevant security agencies to analyze the root causes of these challenges and propose actionable solutions, chaired by the former Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.
“The House is aware that the Committee’s findings highlighted Nigeria’s security challenges, including non-kinetic strategies, overlapping security institutions, professionalism issues, state-based militias, regional collaboration difficulties, ethnic and religious tensions, poor border control, corruption, and environmental issues.
“The House is concerned that critical and urgent interventions, as indicated by the Committee’s summit findings, are essential to address these security issues, prevent further escalation of violence and instability in the region, and safeguard the lives and assets of the communities,” he noted.
While noting that adopting the recommendations of the report will save already expended public funds, Dasuki also stated that the report should have easy assent as most of the leadership of the Executive Arm of government are former Legislators themselves.
Dasuki also commended the leadership and staff of the Nigerian Armed Forces for their resilience, passion and commitment to duty in fighting insecurity and called for an upward review of their wages.
In their separate remarks, Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda and Hon. Ahmed Jaha (APC-Borno) reiterated the need to avoid the wastage of already expended public funds.
While adopting their positions, Hon. Abubakar Fulata called on the House to present the Special National Security Summit report before the House for adoption and onward transmission to the Executive and take the necessary actions for the full implementation of its recommendations by the Executive.
The House also resolved to engage the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in the redevelopment of the nation’s security measures and make it an integral part of the solution.
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