The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Aminu Tambuwal, said on Thursday that he believed the funds allocated for the welfare of security personnel were not being judiciously utilised, for political reasons.
He observed that the problem contributed to the “low morale” of troops deployed to confront members of the Boko Haram sect killing and maiming innocent Nigerians in the North-East of the country.
He disclosed that the House had received ‘bitter complaints’ from soldiers indicating that “their welfare is not being taken seriously.”
Tambuwal noted that despite the huge funds appropriated for military operations by the National Assembly regularly, there was evidence that security personnel were not getting adequate welfare to prepare themselves for the task of confronting insurgents.
He added, “Somebody is playing politics with the welfare of soldiers.
“Or the money meant for the welfare of our soldiers is not being applied judiciously.
“The House will not take this matter lying low and we are prepared to take on those involved.”
Tambuwal barred his mind when he met with members of the Unity Schools Old Students Association at the National Assembly in Abuja.
He disclosed that the House was set to investigate how the funds allocated to soldiers’ welfare was utilised.
“When we resume plenary, we are going to take some motions from our members on the welfare of our troops.
“This has become a serious issue because soldiers are complaining that what is meant for them is not getting to them”, he said.
The speaker declared that the National Assembly was always ready to assist the Executive in every way possible to bring an end to the insurgency.
“Every effort of government must be supported by the National Assembly.
“We are ready to do everything possible to end this insurgency.
“We cannot commandeer troops, but we can appropriate funds.
“What is meant for the welfare of our soldiers should be improved”, he stated.
He applauded the foresight of Nigeria’s founding fathers for initiating the unity school system.
According to him, the unity schools, more than the National Youth Service Corps, promote the unity of the country by bringing children from diverse backgrounds together early in life.
The President-General of the association, Mr. Kabir Nuhu-Koko, had condemned the latest resort of insurgents to attacking secondary school children.
He recalled the attack last month, on a Government College in Yobe state, which claimed the lives of 59 students and left many others maimed.
“The killing of citizens anywhere is not acceptable. The massacre of the students was so terrible.
“That was why we called on government to shut the unity schools in the state and transfer the students to other areas”, he added.
He appealed for more resources to be channelled to unity schools, urging the Federal Government not to allow “lofty ideals” of the unity schools to fade away. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
Mr Speaker Sir, in my opinion you should not play politics with issues that concerns soldiers and the Boko haram menace..You should learn to do your oversight job first before making inflamatory statements. How can you say publicly that somebody is playing politics with soldies' welfare even when you have not done any investigations... If you want Nigerians to take your statements seriously, please back them up with evidences.
ReplyDeleteWe can no longer condone your clandestine yet divisive antics. Just so you know, your statement can send wrong signal to soldiers in borno, yobe and adamawa. If you are a party to finding lasting peace in the troubled region, then do your oversight and stop cheap blackmail.
It doesnt tell good of your office..i do not know about your person.
GT....Port Harcourt.
GT, there is nothing like imflamatory statement in what the honourable speaker has said, if not why are the soldiers complaining? Let whoever is concern release their entitlements period!
Deletebut he has to do his investigations first before making these inflammatory statement. so that he can say boldly where the missing link is. Its important we know who's stealing soldier's welfare money, they cant be at the fore front fighting and someone is just having a filled day with their allowee.
DeleteTambawal is anti this government. Just like OBJ, he is playing a script. So he can say anything to incite the military against the present govt. Imagine the no 4 citizen saying this. He has lost my respect just like Amaechi. He is APC so anything that can bring down this government, even false allegation is welcome. You SHALL all fail!!!
ReplyDelete