‘We are tired of condolence visits’ — senate calls for end to Benue killings

Yemi Adaramodu, spokesperson of the senate, says the red chamber is saddened by news of the killing of more than 100 people in Yelwata, Benue state.

Speaking during a media briefing on in Abuja Tuesday, Adaramodu said the senate is tired of condolence visits.

Adaramodu said the upper legislative chamber is devastated by the repeated loss of lives in parts of the country, especially Plateau, Benue, Borno, and Zamfara states.

“Just of recent, we called for a security dialogue because we think we have had enough of these incessant killings and losses of lives,” he said.

“Critical stakeholders, not only the military or security agents, will participate, even the media, individuals, CSOs, youths and women.

“We know, on and on for some time, we have been experiencing this.”

He said the senate, together with the house of representatives, has ensured that enough appropriations, which can aid the performance of security agents, have been approved for them to fight bandits, terrorists, and kidnappers.

Adaramodu lamented what he called “the sporadic outburst of these disasters, somehow pertinent in Benue, Plateau, Borno and Zamfara”.

“In Nigeria, we are even tired of paying condolence visits; we must put a stop to it. We are even tired of it. We must find a way of putting a stop to it,” he added.

“That’s why there must be a collaboration between the executive and legislature, traditional rulers, security agents, critical stakeholders, and everyone, must come together to find a lasting solution.

“Like they say, politics is local; the same thing, security is local. So, the locals in these areas must be involved to find a solution.

“With the visit of Mr President tomorrow, it will help in assuaging nerves, showing that the government is concerned.”

He announced that a delegation of senators would visit the affected areas on Wednesday to commiserate with families of the victims and assess the situation.

“Tomorrow’s visit to Benue will signal that the government is serious, both the legislature and the executive. This is not business as usual,” he said.

He insisted that the national assembly has provided the executive with all necessary funds to tackle insecurity and expects results.

Addressing criticism over the senate’s endorsement of emergency rule in some areas, Adaramodu said the process followed constitutional and procedural standards.

“Emergency decisions like these are discussed in closed sessions. Once a consensus is reached, it is affirmed in plenary. That’s the rule,” he said.

He added that at the time presiding officers were elected, standing orders had not yet been formally adopted, leading to an alternative process.

‘LAWMAKERS NOT IDLE’

On the senate’s work schedule, Adaramodu dismissed the public perception that lawmakers are frequently in recess.

“We sit more than required. Our work is not limited to plenary. We work in committees, conduct investigations and provide oversight. Even during breaks, work continues,” he said.

On legislative probes, he explained that many outcomes are not publicised but still result in meaningful policy changes.

According to him, the senate has uncovered economic mismanagement and hidden debts from past administrations, which the current government is working to address.

On May 6, the senate resolved to hold a two-day national security summit to discuss solutions to the rising insecurity in the country.

The decision followed a motion sponsored by Jimoh Ibrahim, senator representing Ondo south.