Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara has
cried out over the deployment of military personnel in over 28 states in
the country.
Dogara said that the development was an indication that Nigeria was already in a state of emergency in peacetime.
The Speaker expressed shock that they were visible in almost all parts of the country doing the work of the police.
Dogara spoke in Abuja at a “Capacity/Interactive Needs Assessment
Workshop of Security Sector Related Committees in the House of
Representatives.”
He cited Section 217 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which
Dogara said defined the duties of the Armed Forces, contrary to what
they were seen doing these days in many states of the federation.
Dogara stated, “It is worrisome that Nigeria is effectively
permanently in a state of emergency as the Armed Forces are deployed in
more than 28 states of the federation in peacetime.
“The Armed Forces have virtually taken over routine police work in
Nigeria. They are no longer acting in aid of civil authorities but have
become the civil authorities.
“Section 217 of the constitution spells out the duties and
responsibilities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, which include defending
Nigeria from external aggression; maintaining Nigeria’s territorial
integrity; and securing our borders from violation from land, sea or
air; suppressing insurrection and acting in aid of civil authorities to
restore order when called upon to do so by the President.”
“Related to the constitutional powers of the National Assembly to
appropriate funds and thereby allocate funds for security, is the power
to ensure that such monies or funds appropriated are used in a
transparent and accountable manner and for the purpose for which they
have been given.
“The National Assembly’s powers of legislative oversight cannot therefore be over-emphasised,” he told the session.
On the rising security concerns in the country, Dogara pledged the
readiness of the House to provide legislative support to the executive
to confront the problem.
The Speaker added, “This past experience which saw a powerful
military exercise absolute control and authority over the machinery of
government has translated to the current challenge of getting these
institutions to subject themselves to legislative scrutiny.
“The often seen consequence of this is inadequate and inefficient
delivery of security to citizens, as well as lack of accountability and
transparency as they relate to security expenditure.
“The House has consequently, recently amended the Public Procurement
Act to make the Armed Forces more accountable in procurement matters.”