House of representatives has on Tuesday asked President Muhammadu Buhari to declare a state of emergency over Nigeria’s increasing security challenges.
A state of emergency or emergency powers is a situation in which a government is empowered to be able to put through policies that it would normally not be permitted to do, for the safety and protection of their citizens.
The green chamber also resolved to invite Mohammed Monguno, national security adviser (NSA), service chiefs and paramilitary chiefs to appear before them to speak about the worsening security situation across the country.
The lawmakers passed the resolutions on Tuesday after an executive session that lasted for about four hours.
The position of the House was read by the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila and adopted by the House.
In the past few months, the report of kidnapping, banditry, vandalism have increased in the north-west, north-central and south-west.
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A series of violent attacks were reported across the country, especially between Sunday and Monday.
In the north, Boko Haram insurgents and bandits continue to attack residents while security agencies and government facilities are increasingly becoming targets of attacks by gunmen in the south.
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Schoolchildren and students are also not left out in the attacks — six schools have so far been attacked in 2021, three of which were in Kaduna state.
Last week, over 80 persons were killed and at least 60 others kidnapped across the country.
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Amid the worsening security situation, Buhari asked United States to consider relocating the headquarters of US Africa Command (AFRICOM) from Germany.
Speaking during a virtual meeting with Anthony Blinken, US secretary of state, the president said;
Nigeria and her security forces remain resolutely committed to containing them and addressing their root causes. The support of important and strategic partners like United States cannot be overstated as the consequences of insecurity will affect all nations hence the imperative for concerted cooperation and collaboration of all nations to overcome these challenges.
He stressed;
In this connection, and considering the growing security challenges in West and Central Africa, Gulf of Guinea, Lake Chad region and the Sahel, weighing heavily on Africa, it underscores the need for the United States to consider re-locating AFRICOM Headquarters from Stuttgart, Germany to Africa and near the Theatre of Operation.
