The Senate has summoned the nation’s security chiefs over the spate of insecurity across the country.
The Senate also noted that it would meet with President Bola Tinubu for briefings on the state of insecurity across the nation.
A motion on urgent national importance on national security was raised by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, on behalf of the 109 Senators during yesterday’s plenary.
Bamidele said, “Mr President, motion on the spate of insecurity in the Nigerian nation.
“The Senate notes with sadness, the rising spate of killings, kidnappings, banditry and other criminal activities in the country.
“Senate further notes the recent killings in Agata Local Government Area of Benue State, which led to the loss of lives, including security personnel and wanton destruction of property as well as the brutal killings of 11 residents of Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.
“Senate equally notes the various kidnappings in the Federal Capital Territory where victims have been killed after collecting ransom.
“Senate is also aware of several cases of kidnappings all over the country where huge ransom had been paid and several of the victims still got killed.
“Senate is also aware that the recent killings of two traditional rulers in Ekiti State and the abduction of primary school pupils in Ekiti had further aggravated the level of insecurity in the country.”
He added, “Senate notes the unfortunate bomb explosion at Bodija in Ibadan Oyo State where no less than five lives were lost and several residential houses, schools, hotels, and religious centres were destroyed.
“The Senate equally notes the killing of several residents of Mangu, Bokkos, and Barkin Ladi communities in Plateau State.”
The Senate observed a minute’s silence in honour of the deceased.
In his comment, the Senate President said, “After the interactive session with the security chiefs, which we agreed that it should be next week, we would also fix a time to discuss the outcome with Mr President.”
Meanwhile, the Senate, after a month of recess, has again adjourned plenary to embark on campaigns for bye-elections.
The Independent National Electoral Commission approved February 3, 2024 bye-elections resulting from the resignation or death of members of the National and state Houses of Assembly.
The Senate had on December 30 2023 adjourned plenary after it passed the 2024 Appropriation Bill.
After resumption yesterday, the lawmakers went into closed-door for two hours where they deliberated on the issue of urgent national importance.
After taking the business of the day, the Senate thereafter adjourned plenary till Tuesday, February 6.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, at the end of the session said, “In view of the elections in about 36 constituencies in the country, coming up on Saturday, both houses of the House of Representatives and the distinguished chamber of the Senate, we have agreed that we have less than 48 hours to partake in the campaigns which will close on Thursday by midnight.
“And therefore, this Senate stands adjourned till the 6th day of February 2024 at 11 am prompt.”
Meanwhile, the Senate read a letter forwarded to it by President Bola Tinubu, asking it to confirm the sack of the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Babatunde Irukera.
Reading the letter at the resumption of a four-week recess by the Upper Chamber, Akpabio said the request was by the provisions of Section 8 (2) of the FCCPC Act, 2018.
He also announced that Irukera’s disengagement took effect from Monday, January 8, 2024.
The request of Tinubu is referred to the committee of the whole for further action.
Tinubu on January 8, 2024, sacked Irukera as CEO of FCCPC.