The Senate has called on federal
government to establish a military base in Hong LGA of Adamawa state, in response to the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in the north-east geopolitical zone.
Gatekeepers News reports that the resolution was adopted during Wednesday’s plenary, following a motion sponsored by Aminu Abbas, senator representing Adamawa Central, and co-sponsored by all lawmakers from North-East geopolitical zone.
While commending the efforts of security personnel, Abbas emphasized that a military base in Hong would strengthen the security presence and enhance the response to insurgent threats.
He decried the continued attacks in the area, noting that many residents have been displaced and critical infrastructure destroyed.
The senator noted that the insurgency had spread across Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe, crippling economic activities.
Abbas said, “The unfortunate activities of the group have adversely affected economic activities in the area, the zone and the country at large.”
“People in the affected areas no longer go to the farms or embark on trading activities.”
However, Seriake Dickson, who represents Bayelsa West, cautioned against the Senate directing the president on matters related to military infrastructure.
He said, “In my view, it is overstepping. In fact we are encroaching on the powers vested on the president of the federal republic who is the commander-in-chief.”
“It is an infraction on the president’s power of command and control as commander-in-chief, we cannot do so.”
Dickson said the Senate should amend its resolution by urging the federal government to take appropriate actions rather than prescribing specific measures.
His position was countered by Senator Wasiu Eshilokun Sanni (Lagos Central), who referenced Section 27 (1) and (2) of the Constitution to affirm that the National Assembly has the authority to make such recommendations.
Godswill Akpabio, the senate president, called for increased vigilance by the security agencies in the region.
He said, “There is need for continued vigilance because, like you said, any time the fight abates and they think that the military has relaxed, they will carry them unawares by series of attacks.”
“Our borders are very porous. So anytime they escape from Nigeria because some of them are not from Nigeria, they still find their ways into our communities and attack our people.”
The Senate directed National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to deliver relief materials to communities affected by the attacks.
