By Kelvin Obambon
During the Senate debate on escalating insecurity, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong delivered an address on Wednesday, urging the Federal Government to implement immediate and uncompromising reforms to fortify Nigeria’s defense and protect its populace.
He began by emphasizing the unprecedented unity among Senators across party and geopolitical lines on the need to tackle security challenges “head-on, without excuses and without delay.”
Key to his proposal was the formal integration of local vigilante groups into the national security architecture, which he described as an “indispensable asset.” He lauded them as the “first line of defence” in many vulnerable communities, stressing that their courage and intelligence-gathering capabilities must be recognized, supported, and enhanced.
The Senator also demanded immediate accountability regarding the recent abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State. He called for an urgent and public investigation into the allegations made by the State Governor concerning the withdrawal of military personnel just before the attack, stating, “accountability must not be optional.”
Senator Ekpenyong proposed consulting with constituents on a potential review of the Firearms Act, but cautioned that this process must be guided by “proper regulation, proper training, and strict oversight” with national security as the priority. He concluded by warning that “delay will only worsen” the situation and demanded decisive action over mere rhetoric.
