Reps tell Service Chiefs to resign if insecurity persists

The House of Representatives has warned that Nigeria’s service chiefs should consider stepping down from office if the country’s worsening security challenges continue beyond a clearly defined period.

The position was adopted during Tuesday’s plenary following the consideration of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Ibe Osonwa.

Osonwa expressed concern over the growing wave of insecurity, particularly attacks on schools and the abduction of students, warning that the trend has disrupted education and worsened Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis.

According to him, thousands of children have been forced out of classrooms due to fear, while many families continue to suffer the trauma associated with kidnappings.

He further argued that the inability of security agencies to decisively tackle banditry and terrorism was creating the impression that criminal elements were taking control of parts of the country.

Following deliberations, lawmakers called on President Bola Tinubu to adopt a more aggressive and comprehensive security strategy aimed at dismantling terrorist and bandit enclaves, securing schools, places of worship and vulnerable communities nationwide.

The House declared that should the security situation fail to improve significantly within a specified timeframe, the service chiefs should step aside from their positions.

Reps Summon Ribadu, Service Chiefs

In a related development, the House also summoned the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, alongside the nation’s service chiefs, to brief lawmakers on efforts being made to address insecurity.

The resolution followed another motion sponsored by Sulaiman Gumi of Zamfara State.

Those invited include the:

Chief of Defence Staff

Chief of Army Staff

Chief of Naval Staff

Chief of Air Staff

National Security Adviser

The lawmakers said the security chiefs are expected to provide detailed explanations on current operations and strategies being deployed to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the country.

The House also stressed the need for stronger coordination among security agencies and intensified efforts to protect lives and property nationwide.