From Kemi Yesufu, Abuja
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has criticised deployment of the Armed Forces to more than 28 states of the Federation in peace time.
He said the development leaves the impression that Nigeria is effectively in a state of emergency and expressed worry that rather than complement civil authorities in maintaining law and order in the country, the armed forces have now become civil authorities on their own, carrying out routine duties of the police.
The speaker said this at a capacity/Interactive Needs Assessment Workshop of Security Sector Related Committees in the House of Representatives, organised in collaboration with Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC).
Citing section 217 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, Dogara reiterated opposition to deployment of the armed forces. “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 peace time. The armed forces have virtually taken over routine Police work in Nigeria. It is no longer acting in aid of civil authorities, but has become the civil authority itself. A section of the Constitution spells out the duties and responsibilities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, which includes 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,” Dogara stated. He also added the National Assembly has resolved to ensure that all funds allocated for security purposes are Ωused and accounted for.
he added, “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 overemphasized.”