The Senate at Thursday’s plenary has resolved to carry out an investigation into the killing of 44 soldiers by the dreaded Boko Haram terrorrists group.
This came after a motion was moved by Senator Abdullahi Danbaba representing Sokoto South, where he cited Order 14 and 15, to informs the Senate that since the constitution of the Committee on Army, it has not been active due to weak leadership.
“The Nigerian Army is completely detached from the Senate.” He said.
Reacting to the move by Senator Danbaba, the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki ordered for an investigation into the leadership of the Committee, while thanking Senator Danbaba for bringing the attention of the Senate to what was going on. He said:
“Thank you Senator Danbaba, for you to have brought this issue up means that it must be very serious for you…We are all aware that a few days ago we lost about 44 brave soldiers of the Nigerian Army in Northern Borno. We must pay our respects to these brave men that have sacrificed and paid the ultimate price for our own safety & peace in our country.” he said.
The Senator Representing Kebbi South, Senator Bala Na’allah citing Order 42 & 52, now brought the issue of the killing of 44 soldiers by Boko Haram to the Senate, urging the Senate to take Judicial notice on the fact that a town was attacked by Boko Haram. He said:
“44 soldiers were killed, including my cousin.”
Also responding to the worrying revelation, which is the killing of 44 soldiers, Senator Ahmad lawan speaking on the issue , said:
“We will be able to intervene properly by knowing what they will need, what type of equipment or property they need to fight safely.”
What kind of protection do they have? It is important that we pay surprise visits to them. Let us show these people that even if a soldier dies, his or her family will not suffer.” He said.
Senator Joshua Lidani also spoke on the isssue, saying:
“We need to do a lot more than we are doing now. We need to visit and show our support. We need to sympathize with them.”
Senator Biodun Olujimi on her part said:
It is very sad that we have lost soldiers protecting us, that is just the official number and it may not be accurate. This shows that our priorities in this country are not in order.”
“This is something that affects all of us.”– Senate President,
The Senate resolves to investigate the killing of 44 soldiers, and also:
1. To observe a one-minute silence for those that lost their lives in the deadly attack.
2. The Senate Committee on the Army will pay a condolence visit to the families of the deceased soldiers and the Chief of Army Staff.
To Mandate the Committees on Defence and Army to investigate the cause of the killings of the 44 soldiers and to ensure that adequate measures are being taken to curb such killings of our military.
4. A delegation of Senators will visit our soldiers on the battlefield.
Step down all proceedings of the day in honour of the soldiers who lost their lives.
Senate Leader moves that all items on the order paper be stood down to another legislative day in honour of the lost souls. Minority Leader seconds.
Plenary is adjourned to Tuesday, 27th November, 2018.