News Post

Know Your Parliament

SENATE PASSES RESOLUTION ON PLIGHT OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS

SENATE PASSES RESOLUTION ON PLIGHT OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS
The Senate has passed a resolution on the plight of internally displaced persons in the North-East of Nigeria. The motion came under mattes of urgent national importance, moved by the Senate Deputy Majority Leader, Sen. Abdul Ahmed Ningi. He recalled that the Senate had earlier passed a resolution that urged the Federal Government to plan an economic programme that would cater for internally displaced persons in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states where Emergency Rule is in operation.

 Sen. Ningi cited the crises in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq which he said were more devastating and recorded more refugees, but the welfare of internally displaced persons were not as bad as it is currently in Nigeria, hence this motion seeks to draw the attention of the government to act accordingly.

 He revealed that people are sometimes imprisoned in their houses by the Boko Haram insurgents and nothing is done. He added that the towns of Bama, Gwoza and Demboa are still under the control of the insurgents, adding that “we cannot continue to be in a place where we are not wanted”. Supporting the submission of the sponsor of the motion, the Senate Leader, Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba, said the Senate can do more in addressing the security issues bedeviling the nation. He added that the Senate needs to review and reassess the menace of insecurity holistically. Sen. Muhammed Ali Ndume commended the Chamber for debating the plight of internally displaced persons in the North-East quoting section 14 (1) of the 1999 Constitution which states that Sovereignty belongs to the Nigerian people and security and wellbeing of the people shall be the primary responsibility of the Federal Government. He noted that some of the major towns and villages in Borno South Senatorial District are under siege and his constituents scattered all over Abuja and other parts of the country due to insecurity and absence of government protection.

Other Senators who contributed in favour of the motion included Sen. Ita Enang, Sen. Tukur Bello, Sen. Ahmed Zanna, Sen. Nenadi Usman, Sen. Andy Uba and the Senate President, Sen. David Mark. In his submission, the Senate President said that the Boko Haram crisis is no longer an internal war but an international war which should not be treated lightly. He added that at the moment, Nigerians have a serious problem at hand which is to improve the welfare of internally displaced persons within the country and even those in Niger, Chad and Cameroun. He called on the international community to come in and assist Nigeria. The following resolutions were passed:

§  Call on the International Community to step up action and provide assistance to displaced persons.

§  Call on the Federal and State Governments to step up effort in bringing succor to the internally displaced persons.

 Senators should donate the sum of N20 million for the improvement of the living standard of displaced persons. The Senate has adjourned plenary session until Tuesday, 4 November, 2014.
Share this Post: