Senate decries growing insecurity, supports deployment of soldiers on highways

Nigerian Senate has said that it is unhappy, like most other Nigerians, over the security situation in some parts of the country.

The Senate also noted, that with the worsening security situation, it may have no other option than support the recent position of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo that soldiers be deployed on highways across the country to check the menace.

This was expressed by Senate Deputy President Ovie Omo-Agege when he addressed reporters after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House on Monday.

Osinbajo had on Sunday in Akure, while condoling with an Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, whose daughter, Mrs. Funke Olakunrin, was allegedly killed by herdsmen assured that the Federal Government would deploy troops on roads to curb criminal activities, chiefly kidnapping for ransom, banditry and killings.

Commenting on the Osinbajo’s position on insecurity, Omo-Agege said, “On a good day, it is not something we would encourage because as much as possible, you will want to keep the military in the barracks, but because of the exigencies of the moment we have no choice but to encourage that.

“Nigerians need to be assured of their safety at all times, that is the essence of governance as guaranteed by the constitution.

“Therefore, as canvassed and indeed ordered by the Vice President, that we have the army provide security at the check points, if that will go a long way to prevent this kidnapping and banditry, why not?”

Speaking further on insecurity situation in the country he said, “We (Senate members) are not happy like most Nigerians about what is going on in places, most especially Zamfara. We believe that the head of the security architecture in Zamfara being the commissioner of police can do more than they have already done.

“We are encouraging them to do that because Mr. President has provided everything that ought to be given to them, everything in terms of funding received, in terms of acquisition of weaponry to that has been provided for them.

READ ALSO: OLAKUNRIN: We thought as an ex-general, Buhari would fix insecurity, but we were wrong- Oyinlola

“It is now left for them to justify the positions they hold in Zamfara, and other states of course.”

Omo-Agege is the senator who was accused of bringing thugs that stole the Senate mace, while proceedings was ongoing and ran away, during the 8th Senate led by Dr. Bukola Saraki.

 

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