The Senate has invited the service chiefs in the country for an interaction concerning the rising spate of insecurity in the country.
The service chiefs are: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-General Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, and Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, is expected to be part of the meeting amongst others.
The service chiefs are expected to brief the lawmakers on their efforts and areas they need support.
The service chiefs are expected at the National Assembly next week since the lawmakers have adjourned for one week in order to participate in the by-elections campaigns. The elections take place on Saturday.
The Senate had in December 2023, invited the service chiefs but the invitation was not honoured because the lawmakers went on recess.
Put reading a motion on the spate of insecurity in Nigeria sponsored by the entire 109 senators and presented by the Senate Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate notes with sadness the rising spate of killings, kidnappings, banditry, and other criminal activities in the nation.
“Senate further notes the recent killings in Agatu local government area of Benue State, which led to loss of lives, including security personnel and wanting destruction of properties as well as the brutal killings of eleven residents of Logo local government area of Benue State.
“Senate equally notes the various kidnappings in the Federal Capital Territory where victims have been killed after collecting ransom.
“The Senate is also aware of several cases of kidnappings all over the country where huge ransom had been paid and several of the victims still got killed.
“The Senate is also aware that the recent killings of two traditional rulers in Ekiti State and the abduction of primary school pupils in Ekiti had further aggravated the level of insecurity in the country.
“Senate notes the unfortunate bomb explosion at Bodija in Ibadan Oyo State where no less than five lives were lost and several residential houses, schools, hotels, and religious centres were destroyed.
“The Senate equally notes the killing of several residents of Mangu, Bokkos, and Barkin Ladi communities in Plateau State,” Bamidele said, praying that the lawmakers should invoke its earlier resolution and invite the security chiefs.”That the Senate do invoke its earlier resolutions to invite the security chiefs for an interactive session with the Senate with a view to resolving the insecurity that is plaguing the country,” Bamidele said before the prayers were approved by the lawmakers who also observe a minute silence in honour of the departed.
Speaking, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said after the interactive session with the security chiefs, which has been agreed for next week, they will also have a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“After our interaction with the service chiefs which should be next week, we would also fix a time to discuss the outcome with Mr President.
“We have a responsibility to collaborate with the executive and contribute our ideas to ensure that our constituents and ourselves, including our children can sleep with their two eyes closed.
“Security is everybody’s business, and without security, we can not make progress. We are very determined to make laws and pass resolutions aimed at ensuring rapid progress of the country and the immediate improvement of the Nigerian economy.
“This will not be possible without a secured nation. We will take this up with Mr. President after the interaction with security chiefs,” Akpabio said while announcing a one week recess for the Senate and the House of Representatives in order to participate in the office season campaigns.
“In view of the elections taking place on Saturday, we are taking part in the campaign and will resume on the six days of February, 2023,” Akpabio said.
While welcoming the lawmakers back from the new year recess Akpabio said their performance last year has raised the expectations of Nigerians, describing it as commendable.
“When a task is executed with excellence, expectations naturally soar. Thus, the recess provided us with an opportunity to reconnect with our loved ones, reignite our commitment to the public good, and return to this esteemed chamber with renewed vigour and determination.
“Our constituents have bestowed upon us the weighty responsibility to serve, lead, and make decisions that shape our nation’s course and the welfare of our people. We must never forget the gravity of this responsibility or the faith our constituents have placed in us.
“Allow me to recount a story from American history captured in the publication “A Message to Garcia” by Elbert Hubbard. During the Spanish-American war, the United States needed to contact the Cuban rebel leader, Gen Calixto Garcia, for a joint military strategy. However, Garcia was a wanted man, and his whereabouts were unknown. The American president, William MacKinley, entrusted a man named Andrew Rowan with a letter to deliver to Garcia, without giving him any directions. Rowan did not ask “Where do I find him?” He strapped the letter to his chest, journeyed to Cuba, found Garcia, delivered the letter, and returned with a great reply.
“Just like Rowan, each Senator has been entrusted with a mandate, akin to Rowan’s letter. Our constituents believe that we can navigate the corridors of power, do what is right, make them proud, and return with tangible results. We must carry this mandate close to our hearts, act upon it, and make our constituents proud. Like Rowan, we must traverse uncharted territory, break new ground, and find the building blocks needed to create a great and united country. These blocks are courage, unity, integrity, and strategy. We are trusted, just as Rowan was trusted, we must take results home, just like Rowan did.
Distinguished colleagues, it is our duty to justify the trust vested in us by diligently addressing the challenges facing our nation and striving for the betterment of society. As Distinguished Senators, we have a unique platform to effect change and advocate for our constituents’ interests. History and future generations will not forgive us if we squander this opportunity or fail to leave our mark on the annals of time,” Akpabio said, urging the lawmakers to use their time in the revered chamber to delve into pressing issues, engage in passionate and respectful debates, and craft legislation that reflects the needs and aspirations of the people they represent.
“In the coming months, we will face a multitude of challenges, from economic recovery and healthcare reform to national security and social justice. It is imperative that we approach these issues with a spirit of collaboration and a commitment to finding common ground. Let us rise above partisan divides and work together, transcending party lines, for the greater good of our nation. Our patriotism demands that we heed no other call except Nigeria’s call—the call echoed in our National Anthem. Let us continue to work and collaborate with the Executive Arm under His Excellency President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR, without compromising our independence as enshrined in our constitution.
“I urge each and every one of us to embrace the power of dialogue and the importance of compromise. Let us listen to one another with open hearts and open minds, guided by reason and evidence in our decision-making. Let us be champions for the marginalised and the voiceless, advocates of justice and equality. Our purpose should be twofold: to do as much good as we can to all the people we can, and to prevent any injustices from befalling anyone in our great nation, for injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
As we embark on this new legislative session, let us be inspired by the limitless potential of what we can achieve together. Let us remember that the work we do here has the power to transform lives, uplift communities, and shape the destiny of our great nation and the fortunes of our continent. We must be bold in our vision, unwavering in our commitment, and steadfast in our dedication to the principles of democracy and good governance,” Akpabio added.