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Boko Haram: Reps probe $1bn arms procured by Buhari govt, demand names of dead soldiers
The House of Representatives, on Tuesday, began investigation into the 1 billion dollar appropriated for procurement of arms and equipment in the fight against Boko Haram in the North East Nigeria.
The lawmakers also demanded that the Nigerian Army should, after due consultations with families of soldiers killed in the Nov. 18, insurgents’ attack in Metele village in Borno, release all their names.
The resolution was sequel to a motion by Rep Chukwuka Onyema (PDP-Anambra) at the plenary presided over by Speaker Yakubu Dogara in Abuja, NAN reports.
Moving the motion, Onyema, who is the Deputy Minority Leader, noted that many Nigerian soldiers of the 157 battalion were massacred by Boko Haram insurgents, who now called themselves Islamic State West Africa, in Metele in Borno State.
According to him, the initial figures of the casualty put the death toll at 44 but as more details emerged, it is now confirmed that many more soldiers and officers were killed together with their commanding officer, Lt. Col. Ibrahim Sakaba, while others are still missing.
“The House notes that according to reports, the insurgents carted away large consignment of weapons from the Melete army base which security experts say would embolden them and pose great danger.
“The House observed that while the news of the attack and death toll continued to increase, neither the President nor the Minister of Defense or the army authorities said anything about the report as there was silence for more than five days.
“The House notes that the President and C-In-C finally broke his silence six days after the attack in a statement issued on his behalf,” he said.
The lawmaker said it was unfortunate that in the last one year, no fewer than 600 Nigerian soldiers were killed by insurgents, mostly in Borno State around the fringes of the Lake Chad.
He enumerated instances of attacks launched by Boko Haram against Nigerian soldiers within the year under review.
Onyema, who expressed regret that while the executive continued to insist that the insurgents had been technically defeated, he said they seemed to be waxing stronger on a daily basis.
“The House recalls that twice in three years, the Commander-In-Chief gave directives to service chiefs to permanently relocate to the Theatre Command Centre in Maiduguri until Boko Haram is defeated,” he said.
He said it was disheartening that with the recent happenings in the North, all the successes and gains made against the insurgents had been reversed.
Contributing, Rep Nnenna Ukeje (PDP-Abia) said it was high time Nigeria began to change tactics in order to checkmate the audacity of the insurgents.
She urged the Federal Government to take a cue from Pakistan and review the curriculum of its military.
Rep Aminu Shagari (PDP-Sokoto), who queried how the recently appropriated money was used, described the attack as sad.
Rep Beni Lar (PDP-Plateau) called for the sack of the service chiefs.
On his part, Rep Idris Ease (APC-Plateau) called on the House to treat the matter dispassionately and not to be affected by political sentiment.
Rep Rimande Shawulu (PDP-Taraba) recalled that last year, there were reports that about 6, 000 members of the Islamic State in Syria (ISIS) found their ways to the sub-Saharan Africa.
The Speaker, Mr Dogara, after over an hour deliberation on the motion, described the development as an eye-opener.
He said it was time the leadership in the country began to take responsibility and not to apportion blame.
When the motion was out on a voice vote by the speaker, the lawmakers unanimously adopted it.
An ad hoc committee to investigate all funds appropriated for utilisation by the Armed Forces for the fight against insurgency was set up by the House.
The committee was also charged to look into the operational lapses that led to the killings of the soldiers.
As Muslims around the world celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, the lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Engr. Aderemi Oseni has urged the Muslim faithful to uphold the virtues of Ramadan in their daily lives.
According to a statement on Sunday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the successful completion of the month-long fasting and encouraged them to reflect on the values of sacrifice, self-discipline, and devotion to God, which Ramadan represents.
He emphasised that Ramadan is not only about fasting but also about fostering compassion, patience, and love for one another—values he described as crucial for national unity and development.
“As we celebrate this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr, I encourage my Muslim brothers and sisters to continue embodying the noble virtues of Ramadan. Let the spirit of sacrifice, empathy, and community service guide our actions beyond this season,” the statement read.
Oseni, who chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), also underscored the importance of national cohesion, urging Nigerians to work together to promote peace and stability. He called on leaders at all levels of government to implement policies that address economic challenges, security concerns, and infrastructural development.
He further reassured his constituents in Ibarapa East/Ido of his commitment to quality representation, pledging to continue advocating for policies that prioritise their welfare and development.
Oseni also appealed to religious leaders to use their platforms to preach unity and patriotism, stating that Nigeria’s progress depends on the collective efforts of its citizens in fostering tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
“Eid is a time of joy, reflection, and gratitude. Let us celebrate responsibly while remembering to extend kindness to the less privileged. May Almighty Allah accept our prayers and grant our nation lasting peace and prosperity,” he added.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State and former House of Assembly candidate for Ibadan South-West Constituency I, Hon. Oladiran Alabi, has congratulated Muslims on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, urging Nigerians to embrace unity and peaceful coexistence.
In a statement on Sunday, Alabi commended the Muslim faithful for their devotion and sacrifices during the holy month of Ramadan, stressing the need to uphold the values of love, tolerance, and compassion beyond the fasting period.
He said, “The end of Ramadan is a time for reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the principles of Islam. I felicitate with my Muslim brothers and sisters and pray that Almighty Allah accepts their supplications and rewards them abundantly.”
Alabi also emphasised the importance of unity in addressing Nigeria’s socio-political and economic challenges, urging leaders and citizens alike to foster harmony irrespective of religious and ethnic differences.
“Our strength as a nation lies in our unity. It is imperative that we work together to promote peace and development. I call on all Nigerians to prioritise national interest above personal or sectional gains,” he added.
He further urged political leaders to implement policies that would improve the welfare of the people, enhance economic growth, and strengthen security across the country.
The APC stalwart prayed for a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria, wishing the Muslim community a joyous and spiritually fulfilling Eid celebration.
…Says Tinubu’s policies shaping Nigeria’s future
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has congratulated President Bola Tinubu on his 73rd birthday, describing him as a transformative leader whose commitment to national development remains unwavering.
In a statement on Saturday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the lawmaker, who also represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, praised Tinubu for his visionary leadership and dedication to Nigeria’s progress. According to him, the President’s political trajectory and governance philosophy have laid the foundation for a more prosperous nation.
“President Tinubu’s contributions to Nigeria’s political and economic development are unparalleled. His leadership has inspired a new era of governance rooted in progressive ideals and economic transformation,” Oseni said.
The lawmaker highlighted the President’s role in fostering democratic growth, strengthening institutions, and implementing key economic reforms aimed at stabilising the nation. He added that Tinubu’s policies, particularly in infrastructure and road rehabilitation, are crucial to Nigeria’s long-term development.
Oseni commended Tinubu for prioritising road infrastructure, stating that a well-maintained road network is essential for economic expansion and national cohesion. He pledged his committee’s continued support in ensuring that FERMA’s projects align with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Beyond infrastructure, the lawmaker lauded Tinubu’s economic policies, including efforts to attract foreign investments and promote industrialisation. He expressed optimism that the government’s initiatives would yield tangible results, urging Nigerians to remain patient as reforms take shape.
“As a nation, we must rally behind the President’s agenda for economic recovery. Nation-building is a collective effort, and we must support policies that drive growth, stability, and prosperity,” he stated.
Oseni prayed for the President’s good health and strength, urging leaders across the country to emulate Tinubu’s resilience, strategic foresight, and inclusive governance.
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