Reps promise support for security agencies to tackle insecurity

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has reiterated the commitment of the legislature to support security agencies in their quest to make the country safe and secure for Nigerians.

The lawmaker said this on Friday at the opening of a two-day post-inauguration retreat for members of the House Committee on Defence in Abuja

While calling for a holistic approach to the fight against insecurity, the member representing Zaria Federal Constituency said security agencies need the support of all and sundry to enable them to discharge their constitutional responsibilities with ease.

“As we all know, the security of our nation is a collective responsibility, and the legislative arm of government has a critical role to play in ensuring that our Armed Forces and the police are well-equipped and adequately funded,” he said.

The support, he added, will enable security agencies to tackle the multiple security threats facing the country ranging from terrorism and insurgency, herder-farmer conflicts, oil theft and unrest in the Niger Delta and separatist agitations in the South East.

“These challenges have brought to the fore the need for a robust national security architecture that can effectively address these challenges.

“Addressing these challenges requires a combination of socioeconomic policies, effective governance, and community engagement,” he added.

He called on the lawmakers to take full advantage of the retreat to share their experiences and ask questions capable of deepening their understanding of the defence sector.

“I am confident that with the support of the National Defence College and the collective efforts of all stakeholders, we can create a functional understanding of Nigeria's national security architecture and higher management of defence-related issues and build a more secure and prosperous future for our country,” he added.

On his part, the Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson said the retreat was put together to equip members with the necessary tools in the performance of their legislative duties in the defence sector.

“As representatives of the people, we are concerned about these challenges because we must always answer to our constituents.

“I want to reiterate my assurance to Nigerians that we are determined to carry out our legislative functions effectively, efficiently and in a manner that will ensure the safety of their lives and property,” he said.