News Post

The Upper Legislative Chamber on resumption from a three week end of the year break, had an Executive session that lasted two hours. The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, on resumption of plenary announced that the Chamber in a closed door session deliberated on national issues especially the security situation in the country, the Chamber and other issues.

Sen. Saraki welcomed his colleagues, stating that the Chamber was not unmindful of the different moods experienced by individuals across the country during the festive season due to fuel scarcity which prompted the Chamber to recall some of its Committees from recess to address the situation.

He added that the Chamber condemn the senseless killings in Benue and other parts of the country. He also extend the condolences of the Senate, stating that the Chamber is deeply concerned with the security situation in the country. He noted that the Chamber would continue with its historic runs that entail the passage of more Bills, Motions and other interventions.

The Senate president urged his colleagues to be more proactive in the discharge of their legislative duties especially the 2018 Appropriation Bill currently before the National Assembly. He mandated the various Committees of the Chamber to submit the reports of various assignments before the Chamber or face being dissolved.

Meanwhile, the Red Chamber has received, considered and approved the report and recommendations of its Ad-hoc Committee on the Review of Security Infrastructure of Nigeria (Emergency Visit to Benue State). The report was presented before the Chamber by the Senate Leader, Ahmed Lawan. He recalled that the Chamber in December, 2017, a 13 Member Ad-hoc Committee was constituted by the Senate President.

The Committee’s mandate among other things include the review of security situation in Benue State and other parts of the country and safeguarding the lives and properties of the citizens. He disclosed that in the course of the Committee’s assignment, they condole with the people and Government of Benue State, Tor Tiv of Makurdi and other stakeholders over the death of 73 people and properties worth billions of naira.

More than 20 Senators spoke on the matter and high point of the consideration of the report was the adoption of the recommendations of the Committee by the Senate. Among the recommendations adopted include:

1) The Senate condemn in the strongest possible term the recent killing of 73 persons in Benue communities by armed bandits.

2) The Senate gives the Inspector General of Police 14 days to arrest, investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of this dastardly act.

3) Senate should convene a National Security Summit that will consist of all State Governors of the Federation, Law-makers and other relevant Stakeholders.

4) Federal Government should ensure the full compliance with ECOWAS Treaty on Freedom of Movement of persons and goods across the sub-region.

5) Federal Government should immediately re-examine the deployment of Security Operatives in troubled areas to ensure their efficiency in the rural communities.

6) Federal Government should ensure the reintegration of all Internally Displaced Persons back into their Communities and ensure their safety.

7) The Senate President, Bukola Saraki should convey the report/resolution of the Senate to Mr. President for prompt implementation.

8) Direct the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to provide Control and Quarantine Facilities/Services Posts and empower officers managing such post in the nation’s international borders to discharge its duties.

9) Observe a minute silence in honour of persons that loss their lives across the country.

10) Federal Government should establish Joint Military/Police operation task force in State affected.

11) The Federal Government should support State Governments affected by the attacks and also reimburse such States.