The House of Representatives on Thursday called on the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the Nigerian Army to re-open the Banex Plaza in Abuja for the resumption of business activities
The army reportedly closed down the plaza on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in protest of the mistreatment of its employees after two soldiers were allegedly assaulted by vendors there.
The Nigerian army quickly sent soldiers to secure the area, stopping all commercial activity.
The lawmaker representing the Badagry Federal Constituency in Lagos State, Whingan Oluwaseun, moved a motion of urgent national importance on the House floor on Thursday. She called for the use of contemporary technology, such as surveillance and closed-circuit television, to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
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Oluwaseun said, “There is a growing concern about the excessive dependence on conventional, heavy-handed approaches in civil matters, leading to avoidable disruptions.
“The House expresses concerns regarding the improper deployment of military personnel in civilian affairs, diverting their focus from their core responsibility of national defence.
“The House highlights the Okuama crisis in Delta State where 17 soldiers were reportedly killed during a peacekeeping mission, resulting in substantial military retaliation and extensive damage.”
While speaking further, the lawmaker added that “this underscores the inefficacy of current rules of engagement and emphasises the necessity for a reassessment of military intervention in civil matters.”
After the motion was adopted, the House Committees on Army, Police, National Security, and Intelligence were tasked with reviewing it further through legislation by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary session.
