The House of Representatives has warned of a potential public uprising if the Federal Government fails to urgently address the escalating insecurity across the country.
This warning came as Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, urged lawmakers to respond decisively to the deteriorating security and economic situation, which he said is severely testing the patience of Nigerians.
Debating a motion of urgent public importance moved by Ahmed Satomi on the recent fire outbreak at the Giwa Barracks armoury and increasing attacks on military facilities in Borno and Yobe states, lawmakers expressed deep concern over the government’s handling of national security.
Several legislators, particularly those from insurgency-prone regions, accused the Presidency of not doing enough despite over N19.7 trillion reportedly spent on national security. The debate soon turned emotional, with impassioned calls for immediate government intervention.
Yusuf Gagdi (APC, Plateau) strongly criticised what he described as indifference from government officials. “When the governor is crying and someone within the comfort of his zone says the governor is raising an unnecessary alarm, we are rascals. Nigerians are being killed. This is unacceptable,” he said.
He further warned that elected officials could soon face backlash from their constituents if concrete measures are not taken. “We may be attacked not by Boko Haram, but by the people that elected you and I. Time will come when, if action is not taken, Nigerians will take their destinies in their own hands,” he stated.
Efforts to get a response from the Presidency were unsuccessful, as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, referred enquiries to the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, who was also unreachable at the time of reporting.