The National Assembly resumed from its Christmas and New Year recess on Tuesday, 30th January 2024. The Senate and House of Representatives held plenary sessions and a subject matter that featured in the sittings of both chambers was insecurity. The Senate deliberated on the issue in a closed-door session and passed a resolution condemning the incessant killings, kidnappings, murder and acts of banditry across the country. It also invoked its earlier resolution adopted at the plenary session of 30th December 2023, demanding that Security Chiefs and Intelligence Chiefs be summoned to an interactive session for a detailed briefing on the spate of insecurity in Nigeria. In the House of Representatives, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen constituted an Ad-hoc Committee on Investigation of Insecurity in Nigeria. He also proposed the convening of a National Legislative Security Summit where stakeholders will forge enduring solutions to the country’s security challenges. In addition, he charged all the relevant security-based Committees of the House to engage with the security chiefs on some of the most immediate measures and resources needed to improve security across the country.
At the sitting of the House of Representatives, the Speaker in his remarks, welcomed legislators from their Christmas and New Year recess. He went on to express concern about the widespread insecurity that has gripped the country. He noted that Nigeria stands at a crucial juncture, facing formidable challenges that test Nigeria’s resolve, unity, and spirit. According to him, the threats of insurgency are severely testing the peace and stability of the country. While imploring the President to demand greater performance and accountability from the security service chiefs and all security and enforcement agencies, the Speaker noted that the House must not hesitate to enact changes within Nigeria’s security apparatus, if necessary.
The Speaker further noted the poor economic trajectory of the country, adding that the Legislative arm of government must align efforts with the Executive to ensure the effective implementation of economic policies that will yield tangible results for every Nigerian. He also commended President Tinubu’s move to track and review the annual performance of Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen in his remarks, noted that some of the House’s priority legislative actions contained in its Legislative Agenda include improving oversight of the security sector, legislating the establishment of a Security Sector Reform Commission to oversee reforms within the sector, introducing stricter penalties for misappropriation, misallocation or any form of financial malpractice within the security sector and passing the whistle-blower protection bill. Other priority areas according to the Speaker include speedy consideration of electoral reforms, alteration of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, improved citizens’ engagement, enhanced oversight, institutional capacity strengthening, and greater collaboration with the Executive. He emphasised that electoral reforms to address grey areas in the 2022 Electoral Act are of immediate concern.
Notably, the Speaker stated that the House of Representatives will conduct a ‘Legislative Open Week’ to enable Nigerians to engage in its work, in line with fostering improved citizens’ engagement as contained in the House’s Legislative Agenda.
Both the Senate and House of Representatives adjourned plenary to Tuesday, February 6 due to the re-run and bye-elections of Saturday, February 3 in 44 legislative constituencies across 26 States.