Senate Turns Heat on Buhari Over Killings by Herdsmen
The Senate, on Wednesday, delivered a damning indictment on the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government, stopping short of calling for the incumbent’s resignation.It, however, minced no words in questioning the relevance of cabinet members and service chiefs whom it accused of failing to protect the life and property of Nigerians amid onslaught by foreign militias. They must be relieved of their duties, the chamber submitted.
The House also flayed a plot by unnamed person in the presidency to remove Senate President Bukola Saraki while the National Assembly was on Christmas break.Without a dissenting voice, the Senate resolved to suspend sitting next Wednesday and Thursday for a security summit to be presided over by Saraki.
Some 24 hours before yesterday’s reprimand, the Senate had debated the worsening state of security in the country, an indication of its growing dissatisfaction with the Federal Government’s handling of the matter.Some of the lawmakers disclosed that the armed Fulani herdsmen were members of Boko Haram who had fled the North East.
Senator Shuaibu Lau (PDP, Taraba North) raised a motion to draw the attention of the Federal Government to the activities of militia groups in his area.Senator Ben Murray Bruce (PDP, Bayelsa State) rose swiftly in support, calling on the executive arm of government to perform its function of protecting Nigerians.
“It seems to me that Nigeria is becoming a lawless country; a country with no rules and regulation, a country where laws are not adhered to, and a country where there is no consequence for bad behaviour.
“The Minister of Defence should tell us what he is doing. If the cabinet is incompetent, then we should fire them. You do not understand this. Maybe cameras should go and see these dead bodies. Maybe the National Broadcasting Commission should change its laws and go and see these bodies. It is as if we are in Liberia or Cameroun. The executive should speak and explain to Nigerians what is happening in this country.”
Senator Kabiru Marafa (APC, Zamfara Central) said armed foreign militia groups now control his state, administering justice in the place of emirs and traditional rulers.“In my town, they are the ones that judge between people. The people no longer go to the local authorities. They do not go to the police. If there is a problem, they go to the bush and tell these people, ‘I have a problem with somebody’. This is a national emergency. In all the local governments, this is the truth of the matter.”
Senate Deputy Minority Leader, Emmanuel Bwacha (PDP, Taraba South) called on the Federal Government to checkmate the menace of the killer herdsmen.
“When we were on holiday, so many people were going behind to try and remove the Senate President. A minister was spearheading this thing. What is the reason? They said the Senate President would leave APC and they should create problems for him. What kind of country is this?” asked Senator Isah Hamma Misau (APC, Bauchi Central).
