….says Nigeria can only progress when there is peace
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has called on security agencies to work together seamlessly in order to overcome security challenges in the country.
He said this in Monguno, Borno state at the Mini Trade Fair and Military Equipment Exhibition organized by the Nigerian Army as part of the week-long Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2018.
“I must mention the very saddening and regrettable spate of killings and destruction of property of defenceless citizens by bandits and alleged herdsmen militia in various parts of the country, especially in the middle belt region. I am aware that the Army has often been involved in quelling these dastardly attacks.
“This intractable internal security challenge is giving every well-meaning Nigerians and, indeed, the international community, very grave concern. I, therefore, wish to use this forum to call on all our security agencies to collaborate more closely in the areas of intelligence, idea and information sharing to provide a reliable security network for all parts of the country.”
Represented by Hon. Rima Shawulu, chairman House Committee on Nigerian Army, the Speaker further commended the Army for efforts towards defeating the deadly Boko Haram sect and urged them to do even more to restore peace to the North East region.
“Let me also seize this opportunity to commend the Nigerian Armed Forces for their efforts in containing the notorious Boko Haram insurgency, which has caused monumental loss of lives and economic ruins in the country, particularly in the North East axis.
“Your sacrifices and commitment in this war, and the achievements you have recorded in degrading the insurgents are well acknowledged and commendable. Nevertheless, you cannot afford to rest on your oars until the insurgents are beaten to a state of total surrender, so that the nation can move forward.”
The Speaker, who said that progress can only be attained when the country is peaceful, also pledged the commitment of the National Assembly to helping security agencies tackle the spate of insecurity through appropriation.
“The theme for your celebration this year, which is “The Nigerian Army and National Security: A Panacea for Nigeria’s Economic Development”, aptly captures the importance of security as the bedrock for economic development. Progress can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace. This is why the nations of the world give priority attention to security in their planning and resource allocation.
“The Nigerian National Assembly has been taking due cognisance of the paramount place of security in our legislative activities, particularly in ensuring generous financial appropriation to the security sector, within the limits of the available resources. Let me assure you that we will continue to give our best support to the Armed Forces and other security agencies by working in tandem with the Executive Arm to always give them the maximum possible budgetary allocations.”
He also spoke on ongoing consultations with the Executive in order to provide a legislative framework for security reforms.
“On our own part, the Nigerian Parliament is already making concerted efforts in consultation with the Executive Arm to provide the legislative framework for a fundamental reform of our security system. We cannot afford to allow the insecurity in the country to degenerate beyond the present level.”
The trade fair was organised by the Nigerian Army in collaboration with Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
He urged those present to leverage on the gains of the exhibition to invest more in production of military wares and in other sectors such as health, agriculture and industrial production and to sustain the synergy for the overall benefit of the country.