Reps demand accountability for security spending
During a world press conference on the state of the nation on Thursday, Speaker, House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass said that the parliament would make security agencies account for public funds allocated to them to fight insecurity.
Abbas noted that President Bola Tinubu had signed a Supplementary Appropriation Act of N2.176 trillion on November 8, 2023, meant to “strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and address Nigeria’s critical infrastructure deficit, amongst other considerations.”
He said the house would demand from the security managers how the funds are being spent.
Abass said: “As emphasised in our Legislative Agenda, the time has come for us to demand greater transparency from our security agencies and full accountability for all the funds spent and earmarked for spending in the sector,” he said.
Abass urged a change of tactics in security operations.
“While recognising and commending the patriotic and courageous efforts of our security agencies, we must have the courage to effect changes where necessary,” the speaker stated.
Despite the humongous defence budget, Nigeria is spasmed by violent crims including insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping.
In recent times, criminals have snuffed lives out of two monarchs, who ironically were returning from a meeting seeking solution to such crimes in their community.
Another monarch in Kwara was similarly killed while scores have been kidnapped and made to cough out millions in ransom payment.
Following the high insecurity, the Senate on Wednesday summoned the military service chiefs for an interaction.
