Yusuf Gagdi, member representing Pankshin/Kanam/Kanke federal constituency of Plateau, has warned that Nigerians may turn their anger against members of the National Assembly if lawmakers fail to hold President Bola Tinubu accountable over the country’s worsening security situation.
Speaking during plenary on Tuesday, the lawmaker said the legislature must take a firm stand on insecurity and ensure that government actions go beyond public statements.
His comments come amid protests across the country over the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo and Borno states.
Gagdi described the security situation as unacceptable and urged lawmakers to speak on behalf of Nigerians.
“This is unacceptable, Mr Speaker,” he said.
“We must stand up and find a way of bringing this issue of insecurity to order.”
The Plateau lawmaker warned that public frustration was reaching a dangerous level and could eventually be directed at elected representatives.
“Otherwise, you and I, no matter how Nigerians respect us, we are moving to a level that Nigerians will fight us the way they fight criminals and the way they fight Boko Haram,” he said.
THE EXECUTIVE SHOULD DRAW CONCRETE PLAN
The lawmaker demanded concrete action from the executive arm of government, saying that press statements alone are not sufficient to address the spike in insecurity.
Gagdi also cautioned fellow lawmakers against assuming they were insulated from the consequences of public anger.
“Do not hope, Mr Speaker, that any member of the National Assembly is safe to move,” he said.
“Not by bandits. Not by Boko Haram. By the people that elected you and I.”
