TheCable

Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives, has asked President Bola Tinubu to take “tough decisions” to end insecurity in the country.

Abbas spoke on the floor of the green chamber on Tuesday when the house resumed plenary after the December break. 

The speaker said he is “deeply troubled by the widespread insecurity that grips” Nigeria and the “formidable” challenges that test the unity of the nation.

“The threats of insurgency are severely testing the peace and stability of our country, the rise in kidnapping for ransom and the unsettling unrest and crises across all the six geo-political zones,” he said.

“Families and communities have endured immense hardships, and our hearts go out to all those affected by these tumultuous events.

“We are particularly saddened by the tragic and senseless murder of our daughters, Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar and Folorunsho Ariyo, the heinous murder of over 30 people in Plateau state, as well as many others who have fallen victim to the mindless acts of terror in the last few weeks.

“We also remember those who lost their lives in the blast in Ibadan triggered by explosives stored by illegal miners.

“For too long, our nation has been caught in the vicious grip of insecurity, a malaise that spreads its tentacles far and wide, sparing no one in its wake.”

Abbas said the “numerous security” challenges thrive despite measures by the government to tame the menace.

The speaker said the growing insecurity across the country mocks the government’s efforts, challenging its resolve to build a “cohesive, peaceful and prosperous nation”.

“It is a stark reminder that the conventional approaches to security we have espoused for so long are no longer sufficient,” he said.

He said it is time to “think out of the box and adopt new and contemporary strategies” that better respond to the complexities of our current challenges.

“The enemy evolves, and so must we. I challenge you (security operatives) to rise to this occasion, to demonstrate the indomitable spirit for which you are known, and to do more in safeguarding the lives and properties of our people,” he said.

“Indeed, the time has come for the president to demand greater performance and accountability from our service chiefs and all security and enforcement agencies.

“I implore the president not to shy away from making the tough decisions. If necessary, we must not hesitate to enact changes within our security apparatus, for the cost of inaction is far too great to bear.”

Abbas said the green chamber will organise a security summit to generate ideas from experts on ways to tackle the nation’s insecurity.

‘WE’LL ALIGN WITH EXECUTIVE TO IMPROVE ECONOMY’

Abbas said the house of representatives will collaborate with the executive and give the necessary legislative support to improve the economy.

“On the economic front, our country continues to grapple with numerous hurdles that impede our growth trajectory. Inflation, unemployment, and infrastructural deficits are issues that touch the core of our people’s daily lives,” he said.

“The continuous depreciation of the naira has far-reaching consequences, given that Nigeria relies heavily on imports for many essential items, including food, fuel and machinery.

“Yet, amidst these challenges, there are signs of resilience and potential. The president’s economic policies, aimed at revitalising key sectors, promoting sustainable growth, and fostering inclusive development, are steps in the right direction.

“We in the legislative arm must align our efforts with the executive to ensure that these initiatives are effectively implemented and yield tangible results for every Nigerian.”