By Seyi Babalola
In reaction to the rise of Boko Haram attacks in the northeastern geopolitical zone, the Senate has urged the federal government to create a military facility in Adamawa state’s Hong LGA.
The resolution was adopted during Wednesday’s plenary session, following a motion offered by Aminu Abbas, senator for Adamawa Central, and co-sponsored by all lawmakers from the north-east geopolitical zone.
Commending the efforts of security personnel, he noted that the establishment of a military base would bolster security presence and improve response to insurgent activities in the zone.
Abbas lamented the spate of attacks in Hong LGA, which he said had displaced many residents and razed critical infrastructure.
He said the insurgency had spread across Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe, crippling economic activities.
“The unfortunate activities of the group have adversely affected economic activities in the area, the zone and the country at large,” he said.
“People in the affected areas no longer go to the farms or embark on trading activities.”
However, Seriake Dickson, who represents Bayelsa West, cautioned that the Senate should not go beyond its constitutional authority by commanding the president to site military infrastructure.
“In my view, it is overstepping. In fact we are encroaching on the powers vested on the president of the federal republic who is the commander-in-chief,” he said.
“It is an infraction on the president’s power of command and control as commander-in-chief, we cannot do so.”
Dickson said the senate should amend its resolution by urging the federal government to take “appropriate actions” rather than prescribing specific measures.
His position was countered by Wasiu Eshilokun Sanni of Lagos central, who cited section 27 (1) and (2) of the constitution, insisting that the national assembly has the authority to make such recommendations.
“The national assembly is empowered to so do, so we have not crossed the line,” he said.
Godswill Akpabio, the senate president, called for increased vigilance by the security agencies in the region.