The House of epresentatives has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to declare bandits and their financiers as terrorists.
This is coming after the Senate had demanded that Buhari declare bandits who are causing havoc across the country as terrorists. The Senate had also asked the President to declare war against the bandits.
During plenary on Thursday, the House of Representatives followed suit, making similar demands. This was sequel to a motion passed by the Chairman, Committee on Defence, Hon. Babajimi Benson. The lawmaker moved a motion titled, “Declaration of Bandits and their sponsors as Terrorists.”
Benson in his lead debate argued that bandits have been disturbing the peace of the country, hence the need for the government to wage war against the bad elements. The lawmaker also added that the declaration of the bandits as terrorist should be done in line with Section 2 of the Terrorism Prevention Act, 2011 (As Amended).
In his words: “I will like to echo the same sentiment and ask honourable colleagues to join the Senate in urging Mr President to declare bandits and their sponsors as terrorists. This will underline the determination of government to combat the wave of criminality and murders conducted by bandits all over the country.
“The declaration of bandits as terrorists can be done through a proscription order. That will serve as added impetus for our brave security personnel to redouble their efforts at dealing with this menace. Such declaration when given the force of law, will renew the vigour and resolve of our gallant security personnel in dealing with the menace of banditry as the mode of operations and rules of engagement will be scaled up accordingly.”
Following the debate, the Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, asked the lawmakers to cast a voice vote on the motion.
The motion was unanimously adopted by the lawmakers.
