Amanze Chinonye
Tension erupted at a special plenary of the House of Representatives on Tuesday following remarks by Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), who demanded an immediate shutdown of the legislative chamber unless the federal government under Tinubu acts decisively to end the escalating insecurity across Nigeria.
Doguwa, representing Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency in Kano State, described the nation’s security situation as a “full‑scale war against humanity” and warned that the deepening crisis marked by banditry, kidnappings, terrorism, and attacks on communities risked derailing political stability ahead of the 2027 general elections. He said there was now a “calculated attempt to demoralise the Nigerian state.”
He acknowledged the efforts of the government and security agencies, saying, “Yes, the government is doing its best, the security agencies are doing their best, but their best is not good enough. The security situation in Nigeria today is horrific… our people are left ravaged in tension, fear and despair, all because we are lacking in institutional and collective responsibility as a government.”
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Doguwa urged lawmakers to “stand up and pay the supreme cost” by suspending ordinary legislative business and declaring a “legislative emergency” until decisive action is taken to protect lives and property. He emphasized that while state governors share responsibility, the constitutional burden of national security rests squarely with the federal government, adding that insecurity has become a threat without regard to party, religion, or tribe.
He drew a stark analogy, quoting Bob Marley: “War in the North, war in the West, war in the East and war down South,” underscoring the pervasive nature of insecurity across the country. He warned that if the government fails to act appropriately, the House must be prepared to shut down until decisive action is taken.
But his call was swiftly contested by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who insisted that Parliament could not be shut down under any circumstances. He emphasized that the House remains the fulcrum of democracy and the institution best placed to drive solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges, noting that past legislatures have confronted even greater crises without resorting to closure.
Presiding over the session, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen clarified that Doguwa’s call was an individual opinion and not a formal resolution of the House, noting that no motion to suspend business had been tabled or voted upon.
Doguwa’s protest comes amid a sharp increase in violent incidents across the country, with over 24,000 recorded between December 2023 and November 2024. Fatalities reportedly reached as high as 9,500, while more than 1.5 million Nigerians remain displaced.
In response to mass kidnappings and attacks on schools and religious centres, the federal government has announced heightened security measures in affected states, including Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger, with some abducted victims reportedly freed.
The fact that Doguwa a member of the ruling party representing a northern constituency openly challenged the government’s handling of security signals a rare display of dissent within the ranks of the party.
For millions of Nigerians experiencing daily threats from kidnappings and banditry to attacks on communities, farms, and places of worship – the demand to halt legislative business underscores the depth of frustration and loss of confidence in conventional security responses.
The leadership of the House says the issue will be revisited during a scheduled nationwide security debate set for Thursday, where lawmakers from all constituencies are expected to present on the state of insecurity in their regions. Whether the House will act on Doguwa’s call or instead vote on alternative legislative and oversight measures remains uncertain.
For now, the overriding message from the floor is one of urgency: many Nigerians believe that ordinary life has become untenable under the current wave of violence.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
