The House of Representatives on Tuesday, resolved to constitute an ad hoc committee to liaise with stakeholders in the six geopolitical zones on how best to restructure the country and sustain the unity of the nation.
The resolution was sequel to the adoption of a motion on matters of urgent importance on the unity of the nation moved by leader of the House, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.
The leader observed that different agitations across the country have led to divergent views on the structures upon which the unity of Nigeria rests. “These agitations have resulted into proscription of groups, loss of lives and judicial pronouncements.”
According to Gbajabiamila, “Events of the last few weeks brought Nigeria close to the precipice but for the determination of Nigerians in their various show of commitment to the peace and unity of the country. Hence the urgent need for the intervention of the House of Representatives”.
The lawmaker who called on his colleagues to drop partisan politics, ethnic and religious interests and speak in one voice to save Nigeria from disintegration, noted that a lot of issues cropped up while the legislature was on recess: “the issue of IPOB, the issue of deployment of military came up, discovery of cache of arms and ammunition.
“So, it behooves on this House and I want to be recorded that today, this honorable House began the process of healing. Mr. Speaker, the world is watching us; the introspection of this House”.
“We have been down this road before; never shall we go there again. Are we going to rise up to the occasion to keep this country one?”Gbajabiamila queried.
Meanwhile, the federal government has commended the Dogara-led House on its resolve to work for the unity of the country in the face of the current challenges and agitations from various groups.
This was contained in a statement issued yesterday by the senior special assistant to the president, on national assembly matters (Reps), Hon Suleiman Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila.
Kawu who welcomed the lawmakers back from their recess, also assured them of President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to bring the change he promised Nigerians even as he solicitated the support of the House to achieve that.