DOGARA: Nigeria is in a state of emergency

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, has lamented that Nigeria is permanently in a state of emergency.

He stated that this is the case with members of the armed forces effectively deployed in more than 28 states of the federation during peacetime.

He spoke on Monday in Abuja at a “Capacity/Interactive Needs Assessment Workshop of Security Sector Related Committees in the House of Representatives.”

He also expressed surprise that the military were visible in almost every part of the country doing the work of the police.

Dogara stated, that “It is worrisome that Nigeria is effectively permanently in a state of emergency as the Armed Forces are deployed in more than 28 states of the federation in peacetime.

“The Armed Forces have virtually taken over routine police work in Nigeria. They are no longer acting in aid of civil authorities but have become the civil authorities.

“Section 217 of the constitution spells out the duties and responsibilities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, which include defending Nigeria from external aggression; maintaining Nigeria’s territorial integrity; and securing our borders from violation from land, sea or air; suppressing insurrection and acting in aid of civil authorities to restore order when called upon to do so by the President.”

The Speaker commenting on funds appropriated for security operations annually by the National Assembly, said that the legislature must ensure judicious application of the money.

“Related to the constitutional powers of the National Assembly to appropriate funds and thereby allocate funds for security, is the power to ensure that such monies or funds appropriated are used in a transparent and accountable manner and for the purpose for which they have been given.

“The National Assembly’s powers of legislative oversight cannot therefore be over-emphasised,” he told the session.

On the rising security concerns in the country, Dogara said, “This past experience which saw a powerful military exercise absolute control and authority over the machinery of government has translated to the current challenge of getting these institutions to subject themselves to legislative scrutiny.

“The often seen consequence of this is inadequate and inefficient delivery of security to citizens, as well as lack of accountability and transparency as they relate to security expenditure.

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“The House has consequently, recently amended the Public Procurement Act to make the Armed Forces more accountable in procurement matters.”

He continued, “We realize that a fundamental practice in advanced democracies around the world is that security sector institutions submit to democratic governance and I believe that these Committees are committed to fully exercising their mandate to ensure that not only are these institutions held accountable, but also that that they are strengthened to ensure a secure and stable Nigerian environment that is favourable to investment and sustainable economic development.

“While we have made reasonable efforts towards this process through the related standing committees in the form of Bills and Resolutions to investigate the pressing needs of the security sector and make necessary recommendations, we acknowledge the need for enhanced capacity and competencies of Members and support staff for addressing these”, he further stated.

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