The House of Representatives has kicked against any policy or law seeking to rehabilitate terrorists while victims of heinous crimes are left to fate.
The lawmakers who spoke during the plenary specifically tasked heads of various security agencies to fish out informants and other saboteurs who connive with terrorists and criminal elements to sabotage security operations.
Hon. Bitrus Laore (PDP–Adamawa), in his remarks, cautioned youths against engaging in criminal activities and opposed any policy or law aimed at rehabilitating terrorists while victims of their crimes are abandoned.
He said, “Today, we are on the brink of history as part of this National Assembly. On what page will history put us? The victims are seeing these people rehabilitated. The message we are passing is crimes pay, and the youth should join crime.
“As long as the victims are not rehabilitated and the terrorists are rehabilitated, that is the message we are passing and there will be no end to crime. Please, we need to do something about the victim support system.”
Also speaking, Hon. Dabo Haruna (APC-Bauchi) harped on the need to “strengthen security architecture, community policing, and local security. Address root causes of insecurity, border security, and arms control. Justice system reform, technology-driven security approaches, support for victims and affected communities.”
Speaking on the reported cases of genocide against Christians in Nigeria, he observed that Nigerian delegation who engaged the US Congressman, Rep. Chris Smith observed that the petitioner’s claims were not completely accurate and did not represent the true security situation in Nigeria.
While alleging that no official of the Nigerian government was given the opportunity to present Nigeria’s position during the initial hearing, but affirmed that US and Nigeria eventually reached a set of mutual agreement sequel to further engagement between both parties.
One, that the U.S. Congress will convene a second public hearing allowing all relevant stakeholders, including Nigerian officials, to present testimonies before a final report is issued.
He however lamented that, despite the agreements reached by both parties, “Nigerian parliament has not yet fulfilled its own commitment, particularly on obligation to conduct an independent public hearing.
“This delay has contributed to heightened tension and misinterpretations internationally, including public statements suggesting potential foreign military intervention, which have further complicated our domestic security situation.
“My recommendations and advice are on this matter. Establish a parliamentary committee to conduct a comprehensive public hearing on the alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria, as well as other related killings and security concerns.
“Two, transmit findings to the U.S. Congress upon completion of the public hearing. So outcomes should be formally transmitted to the U.S. Congress in fulfilling our earlier commitments and to guide their legislative considerations.”
While expressing his view, Hon. Billy Osawaru expressed grief over the unabated activities of ISWAP and allied bandit groups with recurring cases of continued assaults in North East, including ambushes of military convoys and clashes that killed soldiers and civilians.
“Multiple mass kidnapping incidents reported. Over 300 student teachers seized from Catholic schools in Niger State. 25 female students are tortured in Kibbe. 38 worshippers seized. All of this within two weeks,” he added.
In the bid to tackle the security challenges headlong, he emphasised the need to legalize State policing, while urging the “DSS and military to track and neutralize armed groups in remote areas.
“Fast track the counter-terrorism strategic plan of 2025 to 2030. To improve intelligence coordination, law enforcement, collaboration, and community engagement.”
He also highlighted the need to establish a comprehensive national security reform bill to clarify mandates and enhance coordination and institutionalize joint operations; Strengthen the first industrial development to reduce the relevance of foreign procurement; establish a border security control act to better secure our land borders; create a national intelligence fusion center for real-time sharing of information; deploy technology in such a way that will enhance our forces.
Also speaking, Hon. Alex Mascot lamented over the report that repentant terrorists are conscripted into Nigerian military.
While ruling after the debate, Hon. Kalu assured that the House will continue the debate next week Tuesday and pass resolution on the issue of national security.
In addition, he disclosed that the House will commence voting on the Constitution Review bills next week.
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