The Nigerian Senate has rejected moves to stop service chiefs from diverting funds meant for procurement of weapons for the fight against insurgency into unnecessary construction of universities in various constituencies
The rejection follows an additional prayer from Adams oshomole
While contributing to the motion on the “Suicide Attacks In Gwoza, Borno State titled “The Urgency To Stem The Tide Of The Ugly Menace,” moved by Ali Ndume
Senator Ndume in his motion raised the bomb attack in Gwoza Borno State which resulted in the death of about 32 Nigerians and leaving scores wounded with varied degrees of injuries
He added, that these attacks have raised significant concerns about the “security situation in the region, which has been a flash point of terrorist attacks over the years, and this calls for concerted and coordinated efforts of the security agencies to address the state of insecurity in Borno State and other parts of the country, experiencing similar situations.
MUST READ: AFCON 2025 Draw : Super Eagles In Pot 1
In his contributions, Adams Oshiomhole, ( APC, Edo North), says the Senate Committee on Army and Air Force should ensure that they do not only provide more money to the armed forces but ensure proper oversight for monies meant for procurement of military equipment are properly utilized
Oshiomhole alleged that , the previous service chiefs, had used such funds to build universities in their various communities which are now glorified schools
Oshiomhole further stressed that supplementary appropriation were provided for the armed forces and more monies should not be thrown at the problem
Supporting the prayer, Senator Neda Imasuen (APC, Edo South) seconded the prayer
When the prayer was put to voice vote , it was vehemently opposed by the lawmakers with a resounding Nay.
Akpabio took the voice vote again and the response was still Nay by the majority of the lawmakers.
The additional prayer was, thereafter, dropped following the voice vote while the other three previous prayers by Ndume were accepted.
Other prayers adopted are for the security agencies to deploy use of technology in the fight against insurgency and make concerted efforts in securing hot spots inhabited by insurgents
The senate thereafter observed a minute’s silence in honour of those who lost their lives in the event
(Editor: Ena Agbanoma)