Shut down National Assembly, what are we legislating for – APC lawmaker laments insecurity

A member of the House of Representatives, Alhassan AdoDoguwa, has declared that Nigeria’s worsening insecurity is “horrific” and “notgood enough,” despite efforts by the Federal Government and security agencies,urging the National Assembly to consider drastic measures, including a possiblelegislative emergency. Speaking during plenary presided over by the Speaker of theHouse, Abbas Tajudeen, Doguwa, who represents Doguwa/Tudun Wada FederalConstituency of Kano State, stressed that he was speaking “as a proud member ofthe APC” and not from an opposition standpoint. “I am not an opposition. I am a member of the APC, theruling party, and by extension a member of this government,” he said. “But Iwill speak as an APC member with a particular concern.” The lawmaker acknowledged the briefings presented bycommittee chairmen on security but insisted that the current performance ofsecurity institutions falls short of public expectations. “Yes, the government is doing its best. The securityagencies are doing their best,” Doguwa said. “But with every sense ofresponsibility and without fear of equivocation, their best is not good enough.The security situation in Nigeria today is horrific. It is tragic. It isdevastating, especially in the North.” According to him, communities across the country are grippedwith fear, tension and desperation as killings, kidnappings and banditrypersist. “The fundamental responsibility of any government is thesecurity of lives and property. What we have today is like failed security,” hesaid. “Nigeria is operating under what looks like a war against humanity.” Doguwa warned that the crisis transcends religion, ethnicityand party affiliation, describing it as “a calculated attempt to demoralise theNigerian state. “It is not religious. It is not political. It has no partyor tribal coloration. It is a collective national challenge,” he stated. He also cautioned that the insecurity could undermine futurepolitical processes, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 generalelections. “As we approach 2027, how do we expect peaceful electionswhen communities are engulfed in banditry and kidnappings? Farmers cannot go tofarm. Traders cannot go to the market. Worshippers cannot go to mosques orchurches. Then what are we legislating for?” he queried. The lawmaker urged the House to go beyond motions anddebates and intensify its oversight functions. He suggested that thelegislature could consider suspending regular activities to focus squarely onthe security crisis. “We can even declare a legislative emergency. Close theHouse if necessary. Who are we legislating for when the country is running inblood and tears?” he said. Doguwa further called on lawmakers to take proactive rolesin their constituencies by strengthening local vigilante groups and civilsecurity structures. “We should go back to our constituencies and reorganisevigilante groups. We must take charge of civil efforts to salvage and protectour country,” he said. Highlighting the situation in his constituency, he saidparts of southern Kano, particularly around the Polgore area, have witnessedrising kidnappings and banditry. “What used to be a tourist attraction has now become like anextension of Sambisa Forest. Kidnappings have become a daily occurrence, like aprescribed drug taken morning, afternoon and night,” he lamented. Despite his strong criticism, Doguwa reaffirmed his loyaltyto the ruling party and President Bola Tinubu’s administration. “I have not lost hope in the Renewed Hope agenda. I remain aproud member of the APC,” he said. The debate on security formed part of broader deliberationsby the House on the state of insecurity across the country, with lawmakersacross party lines calling for more decisive action to protect lives andproperty.

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