Nigerian Senate Ces Security Committee Amid Rising Insecurity

The Nigerian Senate has disbanded two key oversight committees, citing their failure to provide timely intelligence and effective leadership.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced on Wednesday the immediate removal of Senator Umar Buba (APC, Bauchi South) and Senator Godiya Akwashiki (SDP, Nasarawa North) as chairmen of the Committees on National Security and Intelligence, and Air Force, respectively. The dissolution of both committees followed a motion raised by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who criticized their lack of responsiveness amid escalating incidents of kidnapping and banditry nationwide.

Bamidele expressed concern that the committees had not adequately addressed critical security motions brought before the chamber. He emphasized that legislative bos must first demonstrate internal accountability before pressing the executive branch for reforms in national security.

“We must begin by fixing our own house,” Bamidele said. “If we are to credibly call for a revamp of the country’s security framework, our oversight mechanisms must be functional and proactive.”

Akpabio subsequently called for a voice vote, which passed with majority support, leading to the committees’ dissolution. He assured that new leadership and reconstituted committees would be announced within a week.

The decision comes at a time of heightened public anxiety, as violent crimes and abductions continue to plague various regions. Senator Buba, tasked with overseeing intelligence operations, has reportedly been absent from key security debates, while Senator Akwashiki’s prolonged absence from Senate activities is believed to be due to health concerns.

The Senate resolved to send a delegation to meet with President Bola Tinubu to discuss its latest resolutions and seek collaborative solutions to the country’s deepening security challenges.