The House of Representatives has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to declare a state of emergency on security in the country, following the recent take over of about 42 communities in Niger State by Boko Haram insurgents.
This was one of the 12 resolutions made by the lawmakers on Tuesday after over three hours of executive session.
The resolutions were disclosed by the Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, after the session.
The Rep members asked the federal government to induct more personnel into the military and the police, as the current capacity “falls far short of the required number to effectively secure the country.”
The lawmakers also resolved to summon the Service Chiefs, the National Security Adviser, and heads of paramilitary agencies.
Other resolutions reached at the session include: a call on the judiciary to accelerate the prosecution of those awaiting trial for banditry or terrorism; a call on the federal government to urgently provide relief materials to those affected by the recent attacks across the country; a call on president Buhari to, as a matter of urgency, ensure financial autonomy for local governments to guarantee their functionality to the people; a mandate to all security committees in the House to immediately begin a comprehensive audit of all military and paramilitary assets and arms and revert back to the House in four weeks.
The lower chamber also urged the federal government to ensure the protection of national infrastructure and assets, especially Shiroro and Kanji dam in Niger State.
According to Gbajabiamila, the resolutions cover all the affected communities in Nigeria.
He added that a special ad-hoc committee will be inaugurated on Wednesday.
