The Senate has decried the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria, even as it called for a return of the use of mercenaries in fighting the Boko Haram insurgents.
The demand formed part of the deliberations during plenary on Tuesday.
Equally important, the Senate noted that Boko Haram had become more daring, mounting roadblocks in some parts of Borno State; collecting levies from farmers and other residents.
Specifically, the call for the return of mercenaries was made by Senator Ali Ndume. Ndume is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Army.
“In the past, we had intervention in form of mercenaries which we rejected. We should stand up and do what it takes to secure our land,’’ Ndume said.
Meanwhile, Baba Keita, the senator representing Katsina North, same constituency as President Muhammadu Buhari, has lampooned the President. He accused Buhari of failing in his responsibility to secure Nigeria.
Also, Senator Keita, who faulted a statement credited to a presidential spokesman, Shehu Garba; held that the recurrent excuses from the military were no longer acceptable.
“I totally believe the President is doing his own best. But then doing your best is not enough when we cannot see the result on ground and this is what is happening. We cannot be mourning our citizens in and out every day. We cannot accept again the explanation coming from the military, every time there is an attack like this.”
1st News reported Shehu as saying that the hiring and firing of service chiefs remained President Buhari’s decision; even as he added that the president is currently satisfied with their performances.
In a related development, the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) on Tuesday, December 1, demanded the resignation of President Muhammadu Buhari following the mounting security challenges in the country.
This stance by the NEF came in the wake of the massacre of Borno rice farmers; saying life has no value under Buhari’s administration.
