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A member of the House of Representatives, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, has declared that Nigeria’s worsening insecurity is “horrific” and “not good enough,” despite efforts by the Federal Government and security agencies, urging the National Assembly to consider drastic measures, including a possible legislative emergency.
Speaking during plenary presided over by the Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, Doguwa, who represents Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency of Kano State, stressed that he was speaking “as a proud member of the APC” and not from an opposition standpoint.
“I am not an opposition. I am a member of the APC, the ruling party, and by extension a member of this government,” he said. “But I will speak as an APC member with a particular concern.”
The lawmaker acknowledged the briefings presented by committee chairmen on security but insisted that the current performance of security institutions falls short of public expectations.
“Yes, the government is doing its best. The security agencies are doing their best,” Doguwa said. “But with every sense of responsibility and without fear of equivocation, their best is not good enough. The security situation in Nigeria today is horrific. It is tragic. It is devastating, especially in the North.”
According to him, communities across the country are gripped with fear, tension and desperation as killings, kidnappings and banditry persist.
“The fundamental responsibility of any government is the security of lives and property. What we have today is like failed security,” he said. “Nigeria is operating under what looks like a war against humanity.”
Doguwa warned that the crisis transcends religion, ethnicity and party affiliation, describing it as “a calculated attempt to demoralise the Nigerian state.
“It is not religious. It is not political. It has no party or tribal coloration. It is a collective national challenge,” he stated.
He also cautioned that the insecurity could undermine future political processes, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
“As we approach 2027, how do we expect peaceful elections when communities are engulfed in banditry and kidnappings? Farmers cannot go to farm. Traders cannot go to the market. Worshippers cannot go to mosques or churches. Then what are we legislating for?” he queried.
The lawmaker urged the House to go beyond motions and debates and intensify its oversight functions. He suggested that the legislature could consider suspending regular activities to focus squarely on the security crisis.
“We can even declare a legislative emergency. Close the House if necessary. Who are we legislating for when the country is running in blood and tears?” he said.
Doguwa further called on lawmakers to take proactive roles in their constituencies by strengthening local vigilante groups and civil security structures.
“We should go back to our constituencies and reorganise vigilante groups. We must take charge of civil efforts to salvage and protect our country,” he said.
Highlighting the situation in his constituency, he said parts of southern Kano, particularly around the Polgore area, have witnessed rising kidnappings and banditry.
“What used to be a tourist attraction has now become like an extension of Sambisa Forest. Kidnappings have become a daily occurrence, like a prescribed drug taken morning, afternoon and night,” he lamented.
Despite his strong criticism, Doguwa reaffirmed his loyalty to the ruling party and President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“I have not lost hope in the Renewed Hope agenda. I remain a proud member of the APC,” he said.
The debate on security formed part of broader deliberations by the House on the state of insecurity across the country, with lawmakers across party lines calling for more decisive action to protect lives and property.
Shut down National Assembly, what are we legislating for – APC lawmaker laments insecurity
