The Senate on Wednesday rejected a motion seeking a probe of military spending despite growing concerns over insecurity across the country, opting instead to condemn recent terrorist attacks in Oyo and Kwara states and call for stronger measures to protect vulnerable communities.
The upper chamber also called for the immediate rescue of victims still being held captive and stressed the need to strengthen and expand the Safe School Initiative around vulnerable schools nationwide.
The resolutions followed deliberations on a motion sponsored by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, who drew attention to the abduction of 49 persons and the killing of a school principal, teacher Michael Oyedokun, and other victims, including a toddler, during attacks on communities in Oyo State.
The Senate observed a period of silence, prayer and reflection in honour of those killed in the attacks.
During the debate, Senator Sulaiman Sadiq raised concerns over what he described as the persistent attacks by bandits on communities in his constituency, warning of the growing threat posed by criminal groups.
Several senators condemned the attacks and expressed concern over the increasing cases of kidnapping and other violent crimes across the country.
A major point of debate emerged when Senator Adams Oshiomhole called for a comprehensive audit of military spending, arguing that greater accountability was needed in the security sector.
Senator Sani Musa also supported calls for a thorough review of military expenditure, raising concerns about the possibility of funds being diverted.
Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, acknowledged that calls for scrutiny of military spending were not entirely misplaced.
However, Oshiomhole’s proposal to include a probe of military spending among the Senate’s resolutions was rejected on procedural grounds.
An attempt by Senator Sani Musa to amend the position was overruled, bringing the matter to a close and leaving the proposed investigation off the Senate’s final resolutions.
Omo Bazuaye
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