The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu
Dogara, on Monday raised the alarm over the deployment of military personnel in
over 28 states in the country.
Dogara said the development was an indication that Nigeria
was already in a state of emergency in peacetime.
The Speaker expressed shock over the growing trend of soldiers
taking over civil and security duties constitutionally reserved for the Nigeria
Police.
According to him, in peacetime, soldiers are merely to
complement the police and other civil authorities.
He expressed surprise that they were visible in almost all
parts of the country doing the work of the police.
Dogara spoke in Abuja at a “Capacity/Interactive Needs
Assessment Workshop of Security Sector Related Committees in the House of
Representatives.”
It was organised in collaboration with Policy and Legal
Advocacy Centre.
He cited Section 217 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended),
which Dogara said defined the duties of the Armed Forces, contrary to what they
were seen doing these days in many states of the federation.
Dogara stated, “It is worrisome that Nigeria is effectively
permanently in a state of emergency as the Armed Forces are deployed in more
than 28 states of the federation in peacetime.
“The Armed Forces have virtually taken over routine police
work in Nigeria. They are no longer acting in aid of civil authorities but have
become the civil authorities.
“Section 217 of the
constitution spells out the duties and responsibilities of the Armed Forces of
Nigeria, which include defending Nigeria from external aggression; maintaining
Nigeria’s territorial integrity; and securing our borders from violation from
land, sea or air; suppressing insurrection and acting in aid of civil
authorities to restore order when called upon to do so by the President.”
He also spoke on the funds appropriated for security
operations annually by the National
Assembly, saying that the legislature must ensure the judicious application of
the money.
“Related to the constitutional powers of the National
Assembly to appropriate funds and thereby allocate funds for security, is the
power to ensure that such monies or funds appropriated are used in a
transparent and accountable manner and for the purpose for which they have been
given.
“The National Assembly’s powers of legislative oversight
cannot therefore be over-emphasised,” he told the session.
On the rising security concerns in the country, Dogara
pledged the readiness of the House to provide legislative support to the
executive to confront the problem.
The Speaker added, “This past experience which saw a
powerful military exercise absolute control and authority over the machinery of
government has translated to the current challenge of getting these
institutions to subject themselves to legislative scrutiny.
“The often seen consequence of this is inadequate and
inefficient delivery of security to citizens, as well as lack of accountability
and transparency as they relate to security expenditure.
“The House has consequently, recently amended the Public
Procurement Act to make the Armed Forces more accountable in procurement
matters.”
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