Senate Rejects Terrorist Amnesty, Seeks Tinubu Meeting on Security, Probes ₦943m NWDC Allowances

The Senate on Wednesday took a hardline stance against the Federal Government’s policy of rehabilitating repentant terrorists, declaring that those involved in terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes should be prosecuted instead of being granted amnesty.

The position was adopted during plenary following a motion sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua over the abduction and killing of retired Major General Rabiu Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, in Katsina State.

Leading the debate, senators argued that programmes aimed at rehabilitating former Boko Haram members and bandits undermine justice by appearing to reward criminality while victims and their families continue to suffer the consequences of violent attacks.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole insisted that individuals responsible for murder, kidnapping and the destruction of communities should face the full weight of the law rather than be reintegrated into society. Senator Joseph Ikpea reinforced the position by proposing an amendment urging the Senate to formally reject rehabilitation programmes for terrorists, a recommendation that was adopted by the chamber.

Senator Osita Izunaso urged security agencies to shift their focus from issuing condolence statements after attacks to identifying, arresting and prosecuting those responsible for acts of terrorism across the country.

At the conclusion of the debate, the Senate called on the Federal Government to strengthen intelligence gathering, surveillance and early warning systems, deploy modern security technology, improve coordination among security agencies, and deepen collaboration with traditional rulers, religious leaders and local communities to tackle insecurity.

Lawmakers also approved a request by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele for the leadership of the Senate to meet with President Bola Tinubu to present the chamber’s concerns and recommendations on the country’s deteriorating security situation.

The Senate observed a minute’s silence in honour of the late Major General Abubakar and other victims of terrorism and resolved to send a delegation to condole with his family, the Katsina State Government and the Nigerian Army.

While Minority Leader Abba Moro expressed concern over the continued wave of attacks despite the deployment of security personnel, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin commended the Armed Forces for their sacrifices and commitment in the fight against insurgency and banditry.

Senate Queries NWDC Spending

In a separate oversight exercise, the Senate Committee on Regional Development opened an investigation into the finances of the North West Development Commission (NWDC), raising concerns that approximately ₦943 million out of the ₦1.19 billion spent by the commission went to board allowances.

The committee questioned why the commission is yet to have executive directors despite being one of the earliest regional development commissions established, warning that the absence of a full management structure has hampered effective service delivery.

Minister of State for Regional Development, Alhaji Uba Maigari Ahmadu, attributed the delay partly to disagreements over the location of the commission’s headquarters in Kano. He disclosed that the Kano State Government has now provided office accommodation, vehicles and land to facilitate the commission’s operations.

Lawmakers nevertheless maintained that the level of expenditure on board allowances was difficult to justify given the commission’s developmental mandate. They also queried delays in staff recruitment and the execution of capital projects.

Responding, NWDC Board Chairman Abdullahi Lawal defended the spending, saying it complied with the provisions of the NWDC Act, 2024. He explained that the board had held seven meetings during which major policy decisions were taken, while acknowledging that management delays affected the implementation of board resolutions and payment processes.

The committee subsequently adjourned into a closed-door session for further briefings.

Senate Distances Itself from PFIPC Dispute

Meanwhile, the Senate declined to intervene in the controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, said the National Assembly neither created the body nor appointed its officials, noting that the matter falls within the purview of the Executive and is already before the courts.

He added that the Senate would only consider the issue if it receives a formal petition from any of the parties involved.

The day’s proceedings reflected the Senate’s determination to demand tougher action against insecurity, strengthen oversight of public institutions and reinforce accountability in the management of public resources.