A recent editorial has sharply criticized members of the National Assembly for what it calls their "misplaced lamentations" over the country's worsening security situation. The piece argues that as part of the governing structure, the lawmakers share direct responsibility for the safety of Nigerians and should either admit failure or produce concrete solutions.
A Nation at Breaking Point: Lawmakers State the Obvious
The editorial was prompted by a special plenary session of the House of Representatives held on 8 January 2026. During the session, presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, lawmakers from all six geo-political zones detailed the severe security crises in their regions. They declared the situation was nearing a breaking point, warning that terrorists and kidnappers are outmatching state forces.
Lawmakers, including the Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Kafilat Ogbara, gave emotional accounts. Ogbara described recent abductions in Papiri and Kebbi as a national tragedy, stating Nigeria is failing its most vulnerable citizens. Simultaneously, the Senate expressed outrage, urging immediate security intervention in Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger states. The upper chamber controversially recommended a death sentence for kidnappers and proposed amending firearms laws to allow "responsible citizens" to bear arms.
Lamentations Are Not Enough: The Call for Concrete Action
The editorial asserts that describing the security situation as "nearing" breaking point is a profound understatement. It states that security has already broken down, with innocent Nigerians being killed and held captive daily. It criticizes the lawmakers' sudden agitation, suggesting it may be linked to the recent withdrawal of police escorts from VIPs by the President, which directly affects their personal safety.
Rather than lament, the National Assembly is urged to use its legislative and oversight powers to forge the political will needed to end terrorism and kidnapping. The editorial points out that the current campaign is weakened by a lack of this will, which in turn incapacitates the military. It also highlights the failure of state governors to sign death warrants as a sabotage of justice that emboldens criminals.
Proposed Solutions and a Stark Warning
The piece outlines several actions the lawmakers must take:
- Ensure the swift trial and punishment of detained terror suspects to serve as a deterrent.
- Use legislative power to stop arms proliferation in forested and ungoverned spaces, especially in the north.
- Openly condemn sectarian ideologies in their constituencies that spur terrorist tendencies.
- Collectively demonstrate honesty and support genuine efforts to tackle the challenge.
It particularly condemns the Senate's proposal for a constitutional amendment to bear arms, calling it insensitive. The editorial argues it would only protect the elite, leaving poverty-stricken constituents defenceless. The final warning is stark: when the walls of a building collapse, the roof cannot remain standing. The safety of all Nigerians and foreigners must be the priority, as only a generally safe society can achieve peace and socio-economic growth.
