At a plenary session on Wednesday, the Nigerian Senate rejected a motion proposed by Senator Adams Oshiomhole to investigate the funds previously appropriated to the military for fighting insurgency and banditry. The Senate also dismissed a call to investigate the purchase of a yacht and the establishment of universities allegedly built with military funds by past service chiefs.
However, the Senate approved a motion urging the federal government to collaborate with private security outfits to combat insurgency and banditry. They also emphasized the need for the military and security agencies to adopt modern technology and scientific strategies to address these security challenges.
The decisions followed a motion by Senator Ali Ndume, highlighting recent suicide attacks in Gwoza, Borno State, which resulted in numerous casualties. Ndume’s motion called for urgent measures to address the security situation and urged the military to use advanced technology to fight terrorism.
While the Senate agreed with Ndume’s proposals, they rejected Oshiomhole’s call for a probe into military expenditures. Oshiomhole had claimed that past security chiefs misused funds for personal projects rather than investing in modern technology to fight criminality.
After the plenary, Ndume clarified that the funds for military purposes were not diverted and that the establishment of universities by the military was appropriately funded by the National Assembly. He emphasized that any call for a probe should come as a proper motion rather than an additional prayer.
Additionally, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim raised concerns about the proliferation of arms, noting that a significant number of guns were present within the National Assembly premises, highlighting the growing insecurity and the need for enhanced intelligence and security measures.