SENATE President Godswill Akpabio has said that while legislative oversight remains a constitutional responsibility of the National Assembly, this is not the appropriate time for a public probe of the military due to the ongoing security challenges confronting the country.
News Point Nigeria reports that the Akpabio stated that subjecting the Armed Forces to a public legislative investigation at a time when troops are engaged in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other security threats across Nigeria could undermine their morale and operational effectiveness.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, who also dismissed reports alleging that the Senate President had promised to secure senatorial tickets for lawmakers who lost their party primaries.
According to the statement, Akpabio never made such a promise and had not authorised anyone to speak on his behalf regarding the matter.
“The attention of the Office of the President of the Senate has been drawn to misleading reports circulating in sections of the media suggesting that the President of the Senate has promised to secure senatorial tickets for senators who lost their party primaries.
“We must categorically assert that this report does not reflect the position of the President of the Senate. For the record, Senator Akpabio has neither made nor authorised to be made such promise,” the statement said.
Eyiboh explained that what Akpabio told his colleagues was that he sympathised with senators affected by the outcome of their party primaries and assured them that the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was working to address issues arising from the exercise.
He added that the Senate President merely informed the lawmakers that the party would release its final list of candidates in line with its constitution and electoral guidelines.
The statement further stressed that Akpabio remained committed to party discipline, due process and the internal dispute-resolution mechanisms of the APC.
“Senator Akpabio remains committed to party discipline, due process, and the internal mechanisms of the APC for resolving disputes. He will not interfere with the autonomous processes of the party or make commitments that are outside the purview of the National Assembly leadership,” it stated.
Addressing the issue of security and legislative oversight, Eyiboh said the Senate President believed that engagement with security agencies should be conducted in a manner that would not distract troops from their ongoing operations across the country.
“While legislative oversight is a constitutional responsibility of the National Assembly, Senator Akpabio’s position is that this is not the opportune moment for a public probe of the Armed Forces. At a time when our troops are engaged on multiple fronts against terrorism, banditry and other threats to national security, subjecting the military to a public legislative inquisition could undermine their morale and operational focus.
“The Senate President believes strongly that support, collaboration and closed-door engagements with security agencies are more productive at this critical time. Oversight will be exercised responsibly, without creating distractions that embolden adversaries or divert attention from the urgent task of securing Nigeria and its people,” the statement added.
The Senate President also urged journalists and members of the public to disregard what he described as sensational and inaccurate interpretations of his comments.
He further advised media practitioners and the public to seek clarification from his office whenever necessary before publication in order to avoid misinformation and misrepresentation of his position on matters of national importance.