The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Wednesday said the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), has agreed to address Nigerians, through the federal lawmakers, on the security challenges confronting the nation.
He said Buhari would address the lawmakers on the floor of the House of Representatives “in the nearest future.”
Gbajabiamila disclosed this in an interview with State House correspondents after he led leaders of the House of Representatives to a meeting with Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He said the purpose of the meeting was to convey the decision of the House to the President and that Buhari agreed to honour the lawmakers’ invitation and address them on the security challenges.
Recall that the House of Representatives had on Tuesday invited the President to appear on the floor of the parliament and explain the rising spate of insecurity in the country.
The decision was based on a motion of urgent national importance moved by the Borno State caucus on the last weekend’s killing of farmers in the state.
Gbajabiamila said the invitation was extended to the President at the meeting but with no specific date attached in respect for him and his tight schedule.
He said, “We came to see the President on developments in the country. He was so willing to listen as typical of the President, the usual democrat that he is.
“What we basically sought was to convey the resolution of the House and to fix a date which we did not fix out of respect for Mr President and his very tight schedule, what date will be convenient.
“We have agreed on a date and he will meet with the House to address the situation. We have fixed a date but we will communicate with you.
“He is a perfect democrat; he will come to the House to address members in the nearest future.”
When asked how the President is feeling about the security challenges, Gbajabiamila said, “I think he is more concerned than me and you. Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.
“We will leave everything until when he comes to the House. Let me not pre-empt him. All I can tell you for now is that he is fully committed to the security of lives and property of Nigerians.”
The Speaker explained that since all constituencies in the country are represented in the House of Representatives, Buhari’s address to the lawmakers can be taken as an address to the nation.
“The President is coming to talk to Nigerians through the House. You know that the House, as it is constituted, every Nigerian is present in the House. Every constituency in this country is represented in the House.
“So, when Mr President is talking to the House, he is talking to Nigerians through their representatives,” he concluded.
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