The speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara has condemned the deployment of military personnel across over 28 states of the federation, describing it as a state of emergency in peacetime.
The Speaker made the observation on yesterday at a "Capacity/Interactive Needs Assessment Workshop of Security Sector Related Committees in the House of Representatives."
He lamented that the military is gradually taking over civil and security duties meant for the police, a situation he says contravenes the constitution.
“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.”
The Speaker also expressed worry that budgetary allocations to security agencies are not properly accounted for. He explained that if the trend is not checked, it could breed corruption
“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-emphasized.”
He also reiterated the commitment of the National Assembly to support the Executive arm to address security challenges confronting the country.
