Lawan Hamidu, Abuja
The Nigerian House of Representatives has called for a state of emergency in the North East following the recent killings in Borno State.
The Reps also resolved to invite President Muhammadu Buhari over the deteriorating security situation in the country especially in the North East.
This followed the adoption of a motion under matters of urgent public importance on the urgent need to investigate and condemn the needless killing of over 40 farmers in Borno State by suspected Boko haram insurgents.
Members were unanimous that the killing of the innocent farmers underscored the need for state of emergency on security across the country.
Presenting the motion on behalf of the fifteen other lawmakers from across the country, Alhaji Ahmad Santomi from Borno State described the incidence as heartless and brutal calling for urgent measures to deal with the insurgents.
“Our people are in two different extreme conditions, in one hand if they stayed at home they may be killed by hunger and starvation, on the other hand if they go out to their farmlands they are at risk of getting killed by the insurgents.
Worried by the inability by the military and other security forces to avert the continuous wanton killing of Boko Haram insurgents, bandits and terrorists in the North East and across the country.” Satomi argued.
Mr. Toby Okechukwu from Enugu State while contributing, proposed an amendment to the prayers of the motion that the House Committees on Army and Defense should ascertain the Defense Industry Corporation of Nigeria, DICON “on the preparedness of the organization to manufacture arms and ammunition for the Nigerian army and investigate and ascertain the state of the arms that should have been imported long ago.”
Soon after, Ahmad Jaha also a member from Borno State raised a point of order, citing that one of the prayers of the motion “To Invite the President to address the lawmakers over the insecurity” was removed.
Mr. Jaha explained that Sponsor and Co-Sponsors of the motion have agreed on the motion and that the particular prayer should not have removed.
The Speaker of the House, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila while relating and understanding the emotions of Mr. Jaha and other members, called for understanding as the channel of explaining security issues is confidential.
The Speaker also explained that “the prayer for the motion on the need to declare a state of emergency on security issues should suffice for the yearnings of all parties and ensure all far-reaching measures are achieved.”
The Leader of the House, Alhassan Ado-Doguwa and Shehu Koko from Kebbi State pleaded for understanding among members so that the government will discharge its duties of providing for the security and wellness of citizens.
On Saturday, suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked and killed forty three rice farmers in Zabamari, few kilometers away from Maiduguri, Borno State, North East Nigeria.
Nnenna.O
