BY VICTOR BUORO, ABUJA – President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has said that insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and militancy remain serious threats to a secured and safe Nigeria, stressing that they are challenges which require the collaborative effort of the Legislature and Executive to tackle.
Lawan therefore called on Nigerian leaders to unite against criminality stemming from the activities of bandits and kidnappers, as well as resist the antics of divisive elements bent on instigating inter-ethnic tensions across the country.
The Senate President, who stated these while delivering a speech at plenary to welcome Senators back from the Christmas/New Year recess, appealed to Nigerians for calm in view of the recent inter-tribal agitations and conflicts in some states particularly in the South West part of the country.
He described the development as “worrisome” and one that requires the immediate intervention of political leaders.
Lawan said; “The very recent emergence of inter-ethnic and inter–tribal conflicts in some parts of our country is worrisome. Leaders must unite to fight and defeat criminality in the country. Leaders must also unite to fight any divisive and centrifugal sentiments, and tendencies,” he said.
The Senate President while emphasising the need for legislative interventions to douse the heightening inter-ethnic tension in the country, said the National Assembly would collaborate with all tiers of government towards finding a lasting solution to the problem.
He further said; “Political leaders are problem solvers. As parliamentarians we should search for possible legislations to address the issues that tend to create tensions amongst our people.
“We are going to consult and partner with all arms and tiers of governments, in our quest to finding lasting solutions to these ugly developments”.
Lawan also appealed to Nigerians to ensure the responsible use of various social media platforms in a way that fosters unity and dissuades strife and conflict.
In the words of Lawan; “Let me take the opportunity to appeal to citizens to always use the Social Media for enhancing unity and brotherhood amongst Nigerians. Surely, the Social Media platforms can play very positive roles of engendering understanding amongst our diverse people”.
Commenting on critical pieces of legislation presently before the National Assembly for consideration and passage, Lawan said that this year, the Senate, and indeed the National Assembly has very crucial and critical Legislations that need equal commitments and dedication, as the Appropriation Bill 2021 amongst others.
Lawan said; “We are all aware that the PIB is a critical legislation that our country needs, to enhance transparency and accountability in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry. Equally important the legislation will make the Industry more competitive and therefore attract more investments.
“There is no gain saying the fact that increase in investments will boost our revenues from oil and gas. The PIB is going to create an All-Winners environment. This will also bolster our economy for the benefit of all”.
He assured that the Senate Joint Committee working on the PIB would conclude its interventions before the end of next month, March.
