WorldStage– The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has announced that a National Security Summit will be convened in December to collate the views of all Nigerians on national security.
Akpabio also emphasized the urgent responsibility of Senators to safeguard lives and property, describing it as a duty entrusted to them by Nigerians “for such a time as this.”
He made the statements during a plenary session on Tuesday, where he underscored that the safety of every Nigerian regardless of religion or ethnicity remains paramount.
“A bullet fired by bandits travels in a straight line; it does not distinguish between a Christian, a Muslim, or an Atheist, we are, first and foremost, Nigerians,” he stated.
He further highlighted the shared humanity of all people, noting that Caucasians, Blacks, and all races worldwide share red blood, symbolizing common ancestry.
He noted that zonal security summits are already underway within the Senate, reaffirming the Senate’s commitment to ensuring peace not only in Nigeria but across the West African sub-region.
During the plenary, the Senate moved several prayers addressing the escalating wave of kidnappings and violent attacks targeting children and educational institutions.
It condemned all acts of kidnapping and violence against children and schools and urged the Federal Government and security agencies to take all necessary measures to apprehend perpetrators and secure the immediate release of abducted children.
The Senate also commiserated with the Kebbi State Government and encouraged the Governor to exhaust all efforts for the safe return of abducted children.
It prayed for the swift recovery of wounded school staff and students, and the safe return of abducted children to their families.
The Senate observed one minute of silence in honor of the Vice Principal tragically killed in a recent attack, as well as for Brigadier General Musa Uba, who was murdered by bandits.
Additional motions were also adopted to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, including:
Urging the President, as Commander-in-Chief, to direct the Nigerian Armed Forces to recruit at least 100,000 additional soldiers to confront terrorism and insecurity nationwide.
Constituting an ad hoc committee to examine the funding and implementation of the Safe School Programme, investigating why it has failed to guarantee safety in schools.
The December National Security Summit is expected to provide a comprehensive platform for lawmakers, security agencies, and Nigerians to propose actionable solutions to the country’s mounting insecurity challenges.
