Senate President Godswill Akpabio has cautioned the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, over remarks deemed capable of sparking tension between the National Assembly and the executive arm led by President Bola Tinubu.
This came after Badaru publicly dismissed the Senate’s planned two-day national security summit, describing it as unnecessary in addressing the country’s security concerns.
Speaking during Thursday’s plenary, Akpabio and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele condemned the minister’s comments, warning that such public statements could damage cooperation between the arms of government and hinder progress on national security.
At a ministerial briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Badaru had said the military was already more advanced than insurgents in terms of equipment and strategy. He argued that practical action, not summits, was key to national security efforts.
“Strategy is far more important than a summit, the summit will give input for the strategy, but operational orders come from the Defence Chiefs, not from public discourse.” the minister said.
In response, Akpabio expressed dissatisfaction, warning that airing disagreements publicly could worsen Nigeria’s security outlook.
“If the Ministry of Defence has any issue with any Senate resolution, it should not address it in the marketplace, It should reach out to the Senate President or Senate elders. Such public remarks could lead to unnecessary executive-legislative conflict.” Akpabio said.
Akpabio praised the 10th Senate for maintaining focus on critical national issues despite distractions.
Echoing Akpabio’s concerns, Senate Leader Bamidele said Badaru’s remarks were demoralising and counterproductive.
“We are elected to work for the people and support the President’s agenda. But when we are falsely portrayed or publicly undermined, it becomes difficult to build synergy,” Bamidele said.
“That the Minister of Defence could describe a Senate-backed national security summit as unnecessary is troubling. Summits may not be perfect, but they remain critical avenues for gathering diverse perspectives to inform strategic decisions.”
In a related development, the House of Representatives has urged President Tinubu to order the deployment of more security personnel to Plateau State, following renewed attacks in Bokkos and Bassa local government areas.
This call came after lawmakers Ishaya Lalu and Daniel Ago moved a motion of urgent public importance.
Lalu decried the repeated attacks, which have left many dead, thousands displaced, and livelihoods shattered.
“These incidents represent a troubling pattern of violence in Plateau State that has persisted for years, despite previous interventions,” Lalu said.
“The situation has resulted in a worsening humanitarian crisis, with inadequate relief and support for displaced persons.”
The motion passed overwhelmingly after a voice vote by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
The House also urged the National Emergency Management Agency and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons to provide relief, medical support, and establish IDP camps.
Additionally, the Committees on National Security, Defence, and Police Affairs were tasked with investigating the root causes of the violence and submitting a report within four weeks. The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs was directed to develop a comprehensive plan to rebuild affected communities, including homes, schools, and health facilities.
