The Speaker of the House of
Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara has cried out over the deployment of
military personnel in over 28 states in the country.
He said that the development was
an indication that Nigeria was already in a state of emergency in peacetime.
The Speaker expressed shock that
they were visible in almost all parts of the country doing the work of the
police.
Dogara spoke in Abuja at a
“Capacity/Interactive Needs Assessment Workshop of Security Sector Related
Committees in the House of Representatives.”
He cited Section 217 of the 1999
Constitution (as amended), which Dogara said defined the duties of the Armed
Forces, contrary to what they were seen doing these days in many states of the
federation.
Dogara stated, “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.”
“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 pledged the readiness of the House to provide
legislative support to the executive to confront the problem.
The Speaker added, “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.Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
“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.
“The House has consequently, recently amended the Public Procurement Act to make the Armed Forces more accountable in procurement matters.”
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