AKPABIO RULES OUT PUBLIC MILITARY PROBE, WARNS AGAINST DEMORALISING TROOPS AMID INSECURITY

The  Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has defended the National Assembly’s decision not to subject the military to a public investigation at a time when troops are battling terrorism, banditry and other security threats across the country, warning that such an exercise could undermine their morale and operational effectiveness.

Akpabio said although legislative oversight remains a constitutional responsibility of the National Assembly, the current security situation requires a more cautious approach that prioritises support and collaboration with security agencies rather than public scrutiny.

The Senate President’s position was conveyed in a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, who also dismissed reports alleging that Akpabio had promised to secure senatorial tickets for lawmakers who lost their party primaries.

According to the statement, the reports were misleading and did not reflect the Senate President’s position.

“The President of the Senate has neither made nor authorised anyone to make such a promise,” the statement said.

Eyiboh explained that Akpabio merely expressed sympathy for senators affected by the outcome of recent party primaries and informed them that the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was working to address concerns arising from the exercise.

He said the Senate President assured lawmakers that the party would release its final list of candidates in line with its constitution and electoral guidelines.

The statement stressed that Akpabio remained committed to party discipline, due process and the internal dispute-resolution mechanisms of the APC, adding that he would not interfere in the party’s autonomous processes.

On security matters, the Senate President argued that public legislative inquiries into military operations could create unnecessary distractions at a critical period when troops are engaged on multiple fronts against insurgents and criminal groups.

“At a time when our troops are engaged on multiple fronts against terrorism, banditry and other threats to national security, subjecting the military to a public legislative inquisition could undermine their morale and operational focus,” the statement said.

Akpabio maintained that closed-door engagements and strategic collaboration with security agencies would yield better results than public hearings.

“The Senate President believes strongly that support, collaboration and closed-door engagements with security agencies are more productive at this critical time. Oversight will be exercised responsibly, without creating distractions that embolden adversaries or divert attention from the urgent task of securing Nigeria and its people,” the statement added.

He also urged journalists and members of the public to disregard what he described as sensational interpretations of his comments and seek clarification from his office whenever necessary before publication.