By Mercy Adi
Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central at the 10th National Assembly, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to set up a Presidential Security Advisory Committee (PSAC) to tackle the new wave of security challenges in the country.
Ningi made this call on Tuesday, May 6, in Abuja while reacting to a motion on a two-day national security summit sponsored by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo South).
According to senator Ningi, the committee should comprise former senior security personnel who distinguished themselves while in service. He suggested the likes of Gen. Victor Malu, Gen. Agwai, and former Inspector General of Police, Mr. Smith, among others. Ningi believes that these individuals have the expertise and experience to provide valuable advice to the President on how to address the country’s security challenges.
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Ningi also emphasized the need for merit-based appointments of security chiefs, rather than appointments based on tribe, religion, or political affiliations. He expressed doubts about the current security chiefs’ ability to bring the country out of the grip of insecurity. “I’m not sure the current Security chiefs have what it takes to bring Nigeria out of this quagmire of security mess,” he said.
The senator made these remarks during a debate on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday. He argued that the proposed security summit would not be enough to counter the lingering security challenges in the country. Instead, he urged his colleagues to look inward and tackle the menace once and for all. “The Senate committees on Army, Navy, Airforce, Police, and National Security Adviser should rise up to the occasion, carry out the necessary oversight on the security agencies as enshrined in the Constitution, and come out with a report that the Senate will rely on and advise the Presidency with precision,” he said.
Ningi expressed disappointment over the lack of reports from the Senate committees on security agencies despite consistent attacks and killings of Nigerians by enemies of the state. “What stops the committees from bringing all the service chiefs together and interrogating them and reporting back to the plenary? What have the committees found in the last one year through their oversight?” he queried.
The senator also raised concerns about the Super Tucanos jet, which was purchased at a cost of almost N1 billion. He questioned why the jet was not being utilized effectively, citing limitations imposed by the US government. “If you know that there are limitations, why did you go there to buy it? Where are they? Why have they not been put to use? What is the purpose of buying them in the first place?” he asked.
Ningi suggested that the parliament should take responsibility for recalling those who brought the Tucanos to account for its usage. He pointed out that the aircraft has been effective in other countries, such as Ukraine and Afghanistan, but not in Nigeria. “Tucanos are very effective in the day and night and can mesmerize the insurgents within a twinkle of an eye,” he said.
Ningi also reiterated the need for the Senate to investigate the issue of the Super Tucanos jet and provide answers to Nigerians. He emphasized his passion for the security of lives of Nigerians and foreigners alike and the need for the right people to lead the security agencies in the country.
Ningi’s call for a Presidential Security Advisory Committee and merit-based appointments of security chiefs has sparked a renewed debate on how to address Nigeria’s security challenges. As the country continues to grapple with insecurity, Ningi’s suggestions offer a potential solution to the problem.
The senator’s concerns about the Super Tucanos jet and the lack of oversight by the Senate committees on security agencies highlight the need for greater accountability and transparency in the country’s security sector.