PANAPRESS
Panafrican News Agency
Nigerian Senate summons defence, security chiefs over bomb blasts
Abuja, Nigeria (PANA) - Following the spate of bombings in Nigeria in recent times, the Senate Tuesday invited all the heads of the nation's defence, intelligence and security agencies for debriefing on how to ensure security for the citizens.
Moving a motion on the spate of bombings and relying on the Senate Standing Rules, Senator Ita Enang recalled that on 16 June, 2011, the headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) was bombed, resulting in loss of lives and property, while scores were injured.
The motion sought a thorough investigation into the matter, with a view to arresting the situation, expressing fear that if nothing was done, the entire country would have to live in perpetual insecurity.
"The issue of bombing in the county is assuming a frightening dimension. Since the explosion of October last year, it has continued with a group accepting responsibility. I urge the senate to take up the matter," Enang said.
He prayed the Chamber to condemn the spate of bombings and commiserate with the families of the deceased and victims and summon the service chiefs to brief the Senate.
Senator Ayogu Eze (Enugu North) said the motion was timely because every part of the country was being affected by the bombing, to the extent that security had to be beefed up and lawmakers having hard times going to the National Assembly.
Eze blamed the situation on failure of the nation’s security system, saying that “there is the need to overhaul the nation’s security system.”
Senator Philip Aduda (Federal Capital Territory, Abuja) called on the Senate to raise a committee to investigate the matter while Senator Ehigie Uzemere (Edo) appealed for caution on the matter and suggested that the suspected members of a religious sect, Boko Haram, should be engaged in a dialogue.
Senator George Sekibo([Rivers East) said Nigerians were living in danger, wondering: "how can the security system be so loose to allow bombing of the Force Headquarters?”
Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu noted that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria makes security of citizens a fundamental function of the government and the issue should not be treated with kid gloves.
Senate President David Mark put the question and the motion was passed.
In his remarks, Mark said security in any part of the world is expensive and that Nigeria should be ready to spend in order to get it right.
-0- PANA MON/BOS 28June2011
Moving a motion on the spate of bombings and relying on the Senate Standing Rules, Senator Ita Enang recalled that on 16 June, 2011, the headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) was bombed, resulting in loss of lives and property, while scores were injured.
The motion sought a thorough investigation into the matter, with a view to arresting the situation, expressing fear that if nothing was done, the entire country would have to live in perpetual insecurity.
"The issue of bombing in the county is assuming a frightening dimension. Since the explosion of October last year, it has continued with a group accepting responsibility. I urge the senate to take up the matter," Enang said.
He prayed the Chamber to condemn the spate of bombings and commiserate with the families of the deceased and victims and summon the service chiefs to brief the Senate.
Senator Ayogu Eze (Enugu North) said the motion was timely because every part of the country was being affected by the bombing, to the extent that security had to be beefed up and lawmakers having hard times going to the National Assembly.
Eze blamed the situation on failure of the nation’s security system, saying that “there is the need to overhaul the nation’s security system.”
Senator Philip Aduda (Federal Capital Territory, Abuja) called on the Senate to raise a committee to investigate the matter while Senator Ehigie Uzemere (Edo) appealed for caution on the matter and suggested that the suspected members of a religious sect, Boko Haram, should be engaged in a dialogue.
Senator George Sekibo([Rivers East) said Nigerians were living in danger, wondering: "how can the security system be so loose to allow bombing of the Force Headquarters?”
Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu noted that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria makes security of citizens a fundamental function of the government and the issue should not be treated with kid gloves.
Senate President David Mark put the question and the motion was passed.
In his remarks, Mark said security in any part of the world is expensive and that Nigeria should be ready to spend in order to get it right.
-0- PANA MON/BOS 28June2011
