The House of Representatives has reminded the Federal Government of the need to enforce a subsisting resolution declaring a state of emergency on insecurity in the country.
Expressing concern over the increase in the killing of Nigerians particularly in Anambra State and the entire South-East on Tuesday plenary in Abuja, the House stated that non-state actors and criminals are holding the State hostage.
The decision was made following a motion by a member representing Nnewi North/Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, Honourable Chris Azubuogu who stated that “non-state” actors and other criminal elements had taken the state hostage, subjecting the people to untold hardships and making rules that they must either obey or get killed.
He cited the case of the weekly Monday sit-at-home enforced by non-state actors, saying that it had practically brought economic activities in commercial centres like Nnewi to a standstill.
The lawmaker added that taking of lives had become a daily occurrence in the state and other south-east states, while the government appeared helpless.
He urged the House to intervene by calling on the Federal Government to take full charge of the responsibility of restoring security to Anambra state.
But, as he spoke, another member, Rep. Linda Ikpeazu, informed her colleagues that the situation painted by Azubuogu, affected the whole of the south-east.
She said for their own security and safety, people now opted to remain more indoors in Anambra, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi and Enugu states these days.
Making a contribution, Rep. Ahmed Jaha, called attention to the role played by non-state actors, who took laws into their hands by manning roadblocks to force residents to pay taxes.
Jaha, who is from Adamawa state, noted that security fórces were aware of such roadblocks where people were compelled to either pay money to insurgents or lose their lives but did nothing.
Jaha said the whole country and not the South-East alone, was under serious security threats, which must be tackled thoroughly and immediately.
The House resolved to remind the federal government of the security situation of the country, and specifically on the need to implement its existing resolution, declaring a state of emergency on insecurity in the country.
