— Falana calls for probe of N3trn security vote first
By Bode Olagoke
Abuja
At the resumption of the plenary session of the National Conference in Abuja today after three weeks of intense committee work, delegates beamed the searchlight on the unfolding security situation and commended the response of the international community to the crisis.
The Chairman of the Conference, Justice Idris Kutigi who adopted the position of majority of the delegates wanted nations of the world who have joined in the combat against terrorism in the country commended.
However, a senior advocate and confab delegate, Mr. Femi Falana expressed the position that a priority footing ought to be the probe of the N3 trillion expended on security by the federal government before the motion of commendation would become valid.
The initial motion for commendation of the international community’s response to Nigeria’s security quandary forced to the front burner by the abduction of some 270 school girls from Chibok in Borno State be the Boko Haram sect was moved by a delegate and chairman, former House of Representatives Forum, Hon. Chief Obi Anoliefo.
Anoliefo had told the plenary that the scope of the response of the international community in identifying with Nigeria at this period of intense soul searching deserved to be commended.
Supporting Anoliefo’s motion was Chief Anayo Nebo, a delegate who insisted that while Nigeria’s house was on fire any friendly international intervention really needed to be applauded.
On his part, another Senior Advocate of Nigeria and delegate, Chief Mike Ahamba backed Anoliefo’s motion, observing that trans-border crimes are quelled by co-operation from the international community.
He said that Nigerians should eschew the attitude of not acknowledging the efforts of others. “Let us encourage those who came to assist us so that they can do more,” he stated.
Another delegate and former speaker of Akwa Ibom state parliament, Chief Hon. Ignatius Kevin Edet also supported the motion “that those who came to help Nigeria be encouraged.”
But taking a different tack, Femi Falana (SAN) told the plenary that the federal government needed to explain how it spent N3 trillion of the nation’s money on security before the validity of the motion.
In a diversion relevant to the plenary debate, Iyom Josephine Anenih, a confab delegate held that women should also be commended for rising against the abduction of Chibok school girls and other women.