***Commends Tinubu, Service Chiefs, other Security Agencies on Resucue of School Children
*** Urges FG to ensure the prompt payment of all statutory death benefits, insurance claims, pensions and other welfare entitlements to the families of the fallen heroes.
By Henry Umoru, Abuja
The Senate has taken a swipe at Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over his call for a United Nations-led probe into the abduction of pupils and teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area of the state, asking the governor to stop trivialising a very serious and traumatic matter.
Recall that Makinde, on Monday in a statewide broadcast hours after the Nigerian military formally handed over the rescued pupils and teachers to the state government following their release after spending 56 days in captivity, called on the United Nations and other international human rights and accountability bodies to examine the circumstances surrounding the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
According to Governor Makinde, the incident raises questions that require independent scrutiny beyond Nigeria’s domestic institutions.
The Upper Chamber has also commended the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency and all officers and personnel who participated in the operation for their exceptional professionalism, courage, patriotism and selfless service to the nation.
The Senate has congratulated the rescued schoolchildren, teachers and their families on the successful conclusion of their traumatic ordeal and prays for the peaceful repose of the soul of the teacher who lost his life during the period of captivity.
The Upper Chamber has urged the Federal Government to ensure the prompt payment of all statutory death benefits, insurance claims, pensions and other welfare entitlements due to the families of the fallen heroes and to continue strengthening the welfare, training, equipment and operational capacity of members of the armed forces and other security agencies; and
It has called on all Nigerians to continue supporting the Armed Forces and other security agencies through timely intelligence, cooperation and patriotism.
Resolutions of the Senate on Tuesday were a sequel to a motion titled “Commendation of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; the Nigerian Armed Forces; and other security agencies for the successful rescue of abducted school children and their teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and recognition of the gallant security personnel who paid the supreme sacrifice during the operation.”
The motion, which is a Senate one, was sponsored by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, APC, Ekiti Central, and co-sponsored by all the senators.
The additional prayer for the Senate to kick against Makinde was raised by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, APC, Edo North, and seconded by Senator Aniekan Bassey, APC, Cross River South.
The Senate paid glowing tribute to the memory of Lieutenant F. A. Isaac (N/20349); Private Silas Musa (23NA/84/4604), 81 Battalion, Nigerian Army; and Sergeant Abena John Jerome (F/No. 234511), Nigeria Police Force, who paid the supreme sacrifice during the rescue operation in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State in defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and for the protection of innocent school children and their teachers.
The Upper Chamber observed a minute’s silence in honour of the fallen heroes in recognition of their exceptional courage, patriotism and selfless service to the nation.
The Senate has extended the heartfelt condolences of the Senate to the families of the fallen personnel, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and the entire Nigerian security community, while praying that Almighty God grants the departed eternal rest and comforts those they left behind;
It commended Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain (16NA/75/6430), 81 Battalion, Nigerian Army, for his gallantry and courage in the face of grave danger; wished him a speedy and full recovery; and urged the appropriate authorities to ensure he receives the best possible medical treatment and all welfare entitlements due to him.
The Senate urged the Federal Government to sustain and intensify ongoing military and intelligence operations against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements across the Federation through the provision of modern equipment, advanced surveillance technology, intelligence capabilities, improved logistics and enhanced welfare packages for members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies until every Nigerian can live, work and pursue education without fear.
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