The Nigerian Senate has expressed deep frustration over the escalating security crisis across the country, declaring its exhaustion with repeated tragedies following the recent massacre of over 100 people in Yelwata, Benue State.
In an emotionally charged media briefing on Tuesday, Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, announced that the upper legislative chamber has reached its breaking point and will no longer tolerate the unchecked killing of innocent Nigerians.
“From Plateau to Benue to Zamfara, we keep burying our people. The Senate is heartbroken. We are angry. We are tired of writing condolence letters,” Adaramodu said. “We are tired of mourning. The time has come to act.”
Adaramodu described the Yelwata killings as “very unfortunate” and confirmed that a high-powered delegation of Senators will travel to Benue State on Wednesday to console affected families and assess the situation first-hand.
“Tomorrow’s visit to Benue will signal that the government is serious — both the legislature and the executive. This is not business as usual,” he added.
As part of broader efforts to stem the tide of violence, the Senator revealed that plans are underway to convene a comprehensive National Security Summit. The summit will involve not only military stakeholders but also civil society organizations, traditional leaders, youth groups, women leaders, and the media.
“Security must become local again,” Adaramodu emphasized. “The locals know the terrain, they know the threats. We are working with the executive to bring everyone to the table — not just the military, but the people themselves.”
He reiterated that the National Assembly has provided the executive arm with all necessary funding and legislative backing to combat insecurity. He assured the public that the 2024 Supplementary Budget and all security-related bills have already been transmitted to the Presidency without delay.
“There is no confusion. There is no delay. The Senate and the House have signed, and the bills are now with the President,” he clarified.
On the controversial endorsement of a recent emergency rule, Adaramodu said the decision followed due legislative process in accordance with the Senate’s Standing Orders and constitutional procedures. He explained that emergency decisions are often deliberated in closed sessions and affirmed during plenary once consensus is reached.
Addressing public criticisms about lawmakers’ work ethic, the Senate spokesperson refuted claims that Senators are often on recess, stressing that the chamber exceeds the constitutionally required 181 sitting days annually.
“We sit more than required. Our work is not limited to plenary. We work in committees, conduct investigations, and provide oversight. Even during breaks, work continues,” he said.
Adaramodu also shed light on the Senate’s efforts to uncover and address inherited economic challenges, including mismanaged funds and hidden debts from previous administrations.
“Some offences happened under the last government. But the new administration is fixing them. That’s why we don’t need to dramatise it again,” he said, citing the resolution of a controversial 5 percent allocation issue as an example of legislative correction that prevented further conflict.
He emphasized that not all legislative probes result in headlines but many lead to meaningful reforms. “When we probe, it’s to drive change. If the outcome is achieved, we move on.”
Concluding the press briefing, Adaramodu delivered a powerful message that resonated with many Nigerians: “Our people can no longer sleep. Mothers are burying children. Entire communities are vanishing. This must not be normal. It will not be normal. The Senate will not watch it happen again.”
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