The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas has urged President Bola Tinubu to take tough decisions that will guarantee security and safety of citizens irrespective of whoever is involved.
Abbas made the call on Tuesday as the Nation’s parliament resumed plenary after the Christmas and new year break.
The speaker, while speaking on the myriad of security challenges, called on the president not to shy away from taking the tough decisions in the interest of the country.
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He said that for too long, the nation had been caught in the vicious grip of insecurity, a malaise that spreads its tentacles far and wide, stressing that in spite of the numerous security measures, this menace continues to thrive, which mocks efforts to build a cohesive, peaceful and prosperous nation.
The speaker said that the conventional approaches to security espoused for so long are no longer sufficient and can’t address the problem.
“In these trying times, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has exhibited exemplary leadership and a proactive approach. In his recent interventions and directives for more action by our security agencies are timely and reflective of his deep-seated resolve to restore peace and order
“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 tough decisions. if necessary, we must not hesitate to enact changes within our security apparatus, for the cost of inactions is far too great to bear” he said.
The Speaker also said the legislative priorities of the House will include speedy consideration of electoral reforms, alterations of the 1999 constitution, enhanced oversight among others.
“The purpose is to ensure that future elections are free, fair, and credible elections that truly reflect the people’s will.
“Recent data shows that 75% of gubernatorial elections conducted by INEC in 2023 ended up in the Supreme Court.
“A significantly higher percentage of gubernatorial, State, and National Assembly elections was litigated to the appellate level.
Abbas also proposed a national legislative security summit that will bring Stakeholders from diverse sectors security, traditional and religious institutions together to forge enduring solutions to the nations security woes
He noted that while the continuous devaluation of naira has far reaching consequences given that Nigeria relies heavily on imports for many essential items, the House will continue to align its efforts with President Tinubu’s economic policies to ensure they are effectively implemented
The speaker also disclosed that other areas of legislative action to include
“Finalising the domesticating of the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons and Ammunition to curb the proliferation of small arms in Nigeria and amend the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 to tackle emerging threats and protect critical national infrastructure; adopt legislative measures that promote economic opportunities in the geo-political zones most affected by insecurity. We are committed to strengthening inter-agency collaboration, improving intelligence sharing, and leading police reforms.
Abbas charged the members to work together, not as individuals or members of different political parties but as a united entity with a shared vision and a common goal.