By Ikechukwu Okaforadi
The All Progressives Congress (APC) senators in the National Assembly have raised the alarm that their counterparts in the opposition parties have continued to overheat the polity despite the already tensed atmosphere across the country.
Briefing journàlists yesterday in the National Assembly complex, the APC senators, led by the Majority Leader, Abdulahi Yahaya (APC, Kebbi North), said the comments by the caucus of the opposition lawmakers against insecurity across the country is beyond normal criticism.
Recall that on Tuesday, the Minority Caucus of both Chambers of the National Assembly, passed a vote of no confidence on President Muhammadu Buhari over the ravaging insecurity in the country, saying that the president is sleeping on duty.
Responding, Senator Abdullahi said “We in the APC Caucus totally reject the many incorrect statements contained in the said press release. Indeed, we are quite aware of the role of the opposition in any democracy.
“However, the statement by the PDP Caucus has gone too far given the good working relationship in the 9th Assembly and especially with the Minority Caucus.
In any democracy, the rights to present criticisms and concerns on the state of the nation’s affairs are unassailable.
“However, while we respect such rights; which come with obligation and responsibility, we are concerned that the statement issued by the Minority Caucus is capable of over- heating an already charged polity in which men of good conscience and patriotism are expected to act as leaders and Statesmen.
While we acknowledge the natural disposition of playing politics, we are worried and disturbed that our colleagues are playing with lives. The unfortunate state of insecurity; for which the Senate has continuously debated and issued resolutions to support the actions of the executive under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari in the overriding interest of the public, is too delicate to play with.”
Speaking further, he said in all their deliberations, the entire Senate including the minority, had discussed exhaustively in a very robust, transparent and patriotic flavor to arrive at its concrete resolutions, one of which he said is the current invitation to engage the service chiefs.
While cautioning against reckless comments by the opposition lawmakers, the APC senators said “we take exception to the unfortunate charge that our President has not been seen. This is false and cheap politics. Mr. President and service – chiefs are meticulously busy every day and every night in deliberations with a view to addressing the security challenges across the entire country.
“Similarly, Mr. President had always made statements to Nigerians on all major security incidents and assured Nigerians and indeed the international community that he would continue to do his best in making sure that the security challenges are tackled head-on.
“We want to assure Nigerians that Mr. President is in charge of government and is discharging his duties conscientiously and patriotically. It is a well-known fact that the Federal Government under the PDP refused to invest in the security infrastructure of the country while Mr. President under the APC led Government had massively invested in this regard more than any past governments and we are confident that the nation will surmount its current security challenges.
“Furthermore, it must be noted that the global economy is in turmoil triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and Nigeria’s is not an exception. The Federal Government is aware of the challenges and is working to massively get the economy working for Nigerians through agricultural intervention projects, infrastructure development projects and social interventions to reduce the pains of the economic downturn on ordinary Nigerians.
“We therefore call on our distinguished colleagues and indeed all Nigerians to join hands with us as we proffer solutions to this hydra-headed security
