Senators summon Buhari, demand he addresses joint session of N’assembly

The Senate, on Thursday, summoned President Muhammadu Buhari to appear before a joint session of both chambers of the National Assembly, to address them on the state of insecurity in the country.

This development is coming 24 hours after the House of Representatives issued a similar summon to Buhari. President of the Senate Bukola Saraki, is expected to meet with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, to agree on a date Buhari will appear.

Senator George Akume, in a motion, condemned the wanton killings and destruction confronting Benue State. He also called on the Federal Government to adopt special and proactive measures to bring to an end the killings.

Senator Victor Umeh, who contributed to the motion, warned against the new dimension of killings carried out by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen. He said with the killing of two Catholic priests in Benue State, religious coloration will be brought into the war on terror.

Umeh said: “I am a Knight of the Catholic Church and what happened in Benue State on Tuesday. This must not be allowed to happen. If this is not tamed, we will run into trouble.

“Why are the perpetrators not brought to book? Why can’t we declare a state of emergency in these affected states. I am calling on the Senate to urge the President of Nigeria to declare a state of emergency in the affected states.”

Read also: MELAYE: IGP snubs Senate

Obinna Ogba, in his additional prayer, said the weekly ritual of condemning attacks in the country was no longer viable. He suggested that the Senate should back the decision of the House and summon President Buhari to brief a joint session.

“I am tired of hearing the same thing everyday. We are beginning to lose it with one minute silence. It is no longer relevant. Let us take a more drastic action and bring an end to this.

“On Wednesday, our colleagues in the House of Representatives, summoned the President. I think we should do the same thing by summoning the President to address a joint session of the National Assembly.

“Let the President tell us what is happening and how he is going to stop these killings. The ball stops on his table. Let us hear from him and find a way to end these killings,” Ogba suggested.

Saraki, in his closing remarks, said: “I think this is the right thing to do. We have agreed to summon the President. I will meet with the Speaker of the House of Representatives to agree on a date to have the President here to address us.”
By Ehisuan Odia…

 

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