Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege has said that the level of insecurity in the country has called for urgent extra ordinary measures, including deployment of military personnel to strategic places, especially in the South West and South South.
“On a good day, it is not something we would encourage because as much as possible, you will want to keep the military in the barracks. But because of the exigencies of the moment, we have no choice but to encourage that (deployment of the military personnel. “Nigerians need to be assured of their safety at all times, that is the essence of governance as guaranteed by the constitution.”
Senator Omo-Agege, who answered reporters’ questions shortly after a brief private audience with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, stressed that if deploying soldiers will resolve the growing security challenges, he would support it.
“If, as canvassed and indeed ordered by the Vice President, that we have the army provide security at the check points, will go along way to prevent kidnapping and banditry and other security challenges, why not?”
He said that like other Nigerians, the lawmakers are not happy about what is going on in places, especially in Zamfara state.
“We believe that the head of the security architecture in Zamfara being the commissioner of police can do more than they have already done.
“We are encouraging them to do that because Mr. President has provided everything that ought to be given to them, everything in terms of funding received, in terms of acquisition of weaponry so that have been provided for them. It is now left for them to justify the positions they hold in Zamfara, and other states of course.”
