Nigerian Senate Calls Emergency Session on Insecurity

The Nigerian Senate has announced the recall of its members from recess due to escalating insecurity across the country. An emergency session is set for June 23, 2023, at 11:00 AM, as directed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

This decision comes amid growing concerns about security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings. President Bola Tinubu recently emphasized the need for stronger measures against these threats, declaring a "no mercy" stance towards terrorists.

He reported that 13,000 terrorists have been neutralized in the past year and noted an 81% drop in terror-related deaths since 2015. However, issues such as the continued abduction of schoolchildren remain pressing.

The Senate aims to deliberate on urgent security matters and consider legislative interventions, including a proposal to amend the 1999 Constitution to allow states to establish their own police forces. This emergency session marks a significant shift in the legislative agenda, as the Senate seeks to address the persistent security crisis in Nigeria.