The Deputy Minority Leader of the House, Hon. Chukwuka
Onyema has decried the spate of extra judicial killings by security
operatives in the country. In a motion of ‘Urgent Public Importance
moved during plenary session on Thursday, June 2, 2016, the Lawmaker
complained that regardless of the outcry and wide condemnation of this
trend, reports of massacre of unarmed innocent citizens in recent time
has continuously made headlines in the media. He alluded to the fact
that Rights to Freedom of Association, Expression and Peaceful Assembly
are not only fundamental but Constitutional. Moreover, the use of
excessive Force instead of Rules of Engagement by Security Agencies that
resulted to the death of several civilians on 30th May, 2016.
He
prayed the House to mandate its Committee on Human Rights, National
Security and Intelligence to investigate the matter and report back to
the House within two weeks. Also, that the Federal Government be urged
to do a review and formulate a more efficient mechanism for engagement
with all aggrieved elements that threaten the Homeland security as well
as the territorial integrity of the nation. The House observed a minute
of silence in honor of all those that lost their lives.
In
another development, the House resolved to invite the Hon. Minister of
Power, Babatunde Fashola and other stakeholders in the Power sector
including the Electricity Generating Company (GENCO) and Distribution
Companies (DISCOs) to a Public Hearing to discuss the way out of the
current epileptic Power supply across the country. The resolution was at
the instance of a motion moved by Hon. E.J. Agbonima. He raised concern
that given the current economic situation of the country in addition to
hike in petroleum price and food stuffs in the market, lack of
electricity has left an untold hardship to the citizenry. He warned that
if urgent action is not taken to address it, the parliament would have
failed the people on whose mandate they function.
Meanwhile,
the House continued with passage of Bills. Over 15 Bills were read the
third time during Thursday’s plenary, where the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Yakubu
Dogara commended the efforts of the Members in ensuring that the
reports of the Bills were treated speedily to enable its passage.
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