Stamp-out insecurity across nation – Ex-Senate President, Lawan charges military

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmad Lawan, has asked the Military to stamp-out insecurity across parts of the country.

Lawan gave the charge on Tuesday in an address delivered during an oversight visit by the Senate Committee on Defence to the Nigerian Defence Headquarters in Abuja.

The former Senate President said that inspite of several setbacks suffered by the military, every investment made by the federal government in the armed forces over the years was worthwhile in order to secure the country against internal and external threats.

He lauded the military for carrying out responsibilities outside its constitutional duties in a bid to protect the nation’s territorial sovereignty and ensure law and order in society.

Senator Lawan said, “We are partners in progress, and very much committed to ensuring that we do everything possible to enhance the resources available for the armed forces of our country. We believe that every investment in the armed forces, is a worthwhile investment in order to secure our country.

“We suffer setbacks sometimes, but I want to tell you that our armed forces have been very committed to protecting lives and the integrity of our country.

“Most times, you do much more than you are expected to do, because some of the activities you are involved in are simply not meant for you; there are so many gaps, and, therefore, you are sometimes asked to do some things that even the police should have been made to handle.”

Senator Lawan explained that the oversight visit by members of the panel to the Defence Headquarters, was for the Committee to be adequately briefed on the implementation of the 2022 and 2023 Appropriations, including the supplementary budget passed and approved by the National Assembly, respectively, for Defence.

He expressed the willingness of the Committee to work collaboratively with the armed forces in ensuring the allocation of more resources to improve the military’s performance.

“Let me also mention, that what the Senate Committee is here to do today, is to carry out this oversight visit and to be briefed on the implementation of the 2022 and 2023 Appropriations, including the supplementary budget.

“We are here to also understand your challenges; the operations that you are involved in across the country are of particular interest to us, and, of course, your activities outside the country.

“What is of utmost concern to the committee is that we must work together to improve on your performance. As a government, we continue to insist that we must stamp out the insecurity we have across the country, but, of course, that requires more than words; that requires making resources available to you.

“We have seen the determination that our armed forces work so hard with the little that is available to you. [And] we will ensure to work harder to have more resources available.”

Earlier, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, in a brief welcome address, assured the committee of the commitment of the military to upholding the principles and ideals of the armed forces.

“Together as a team, we want to assure you that the armed forces is working tirelessly to keep the peace wherever we are.

“We believe that Nigeria is there for us, and without peace, development will be affected”, Gen. Musa said.