Seriake Dickson kicks as senate asks FG to establish military base in Adamawa

The senate has called on the federal government to establish a military base in Hong LGA of Adamawa state, in response to the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in the north-east geopolitical zone.

The resolution was adopted during Wednesday’s plenary, following a motion sponsored by Aminu Abbas, senator representing Adamawa central, and co-sponsored by all lawmakers from the north-east geopolitical zone.

Commending the efforts of security personnel, he noted that the establishment of a military base would bolster security presence and improve response to insurgent activities in the zone. 

Abbas lamented the spate of attacks in Hong LGA, which he said had displaced many residents and razed critical infrastructure.

He said the insurgency had spread across Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe, crippling economic activities.

“The unfortunate activities of the group have adversely affected economic activities in the area, the zone and the country at large,” he said.

“People in the affected areas no longer go to the farms or embark on trading activities.”

However, Seriake Dickson, who represents Bayelsa west, warned that the senate must not overstep its constitutional boundaries by directing the president to site military infrastructure.

“In my view, it is overstepping. In fact we are encroaching on the powers vested on the president of the federal republic who is the commander-in-chief,” he said.

“It is an infraction on the president’s power of command and control as commander-in-chief, we cannot do so.”

Dickson said the senate should amend its resolution by urging the federal government to take “appropriate actions” rather than prescribing specific measures.

His position was countered by Wasiu Eshilokun Sanni of Lagos central, who cited section 27 (1) and (2) of the constitution, insisting that the national assembly has the authority to make such recommendations.

“The national assembly is empowered to so do, so we have not crossed the line,” he said.

Godswill Akpabio, the senate president, called for increased vigilance by the security agencies in the region.

“There is need for continued vigilance because, like you said, any time the fight abates and they think that the military has relaxed, they will carry them unawares by series of attacks,” he said.

“Our borders are very porous. So anytime they escape from Nigeria because some of them are not from Nigeria, they still find their ways into our communities and attack our people.”

The senate directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials to the affected communities.

On May 13, the senate urged the military to redeploy troops and modern equipment to Borno state and Yobe state in response to renewed attacks by Boko Haram insurgents.