To Immediately Open Up Banex Plazer in Abuja
From Lateef Taiwo
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government as well as the Nigerian Army to immediately reopen the Banex Plaza in Abuja for business activities.
The lawmakers also call on the Federal Government to install modern technology, such as surveillance and closed circuit camera television, CCTV, in order to identify and apprehend perpetrators of the attack on some military personnel within the Plazer recently.
Meanwhile the Green Chamber has equally mandated the Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Defence and the Committee on Police Affairs to immediately investigate all circumstances that led to the closure of the Plaza and why the military’s were involved.
This was sequel to the adoption of a motion and resolution of urgent public importance moved during plenary yesterday by Hon Whingan Oluwaseun.
In his lead debate for the motion, the lawmaker informed that the recent unrest at Banex Plaza, Wuse, Abuja, on 18 May 2024, involved hoodlums who attacked Nigerian Army personnel even though they were not armed.
He explained that it took immediate intervention by soldiers and policemen to rescue the attacked military personnel from the hands of the hoodlums.
The House however, stated that it was aware that the attacked soldiers were unarmed and posed no threat to the public even as they described it as unjustifiable no matter what.
Lawmakers therefore used the opportunity to express concerned about the temporary closure of the Banex Plaza which they said is one of the major commercial hub with huge businesses in the FCT.
They also noted the inappropriate use of military personnel in civil matters, detracting from their primary role of national defense should always be avoided.
The House further raise concerned that the Okuama crisis in Delta State, where 17 soldiers were killed, allegedly while on a peace mission, led to severe military reprisals and significant destruction in the state and it’s environs.
Lawmaker also used the opportunity to highlights the ineffective rules of engagement and the need for a review of military intervention in matters that are purely civil.
“These tragedies could have been averted with proper engagement and the use of modern technology. We must ensure that the military focuses on its primary role of national defense while the police handle civil matters.
While urging for support among members, the lawmaker maintained that his motion will fastract immediate reopening of Banex Plaza and the adoption of advanced, non- disruptive security methods and approach in handling civil matters.
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