A heated debate erupted on the Senate floor as Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West) raised concerns over what he called a breach of constitutional boundaries by the upper legislative chamber in its handling of national security matters.
The tension arose during deliberations on a motion that proposed the establishment of military bases in areas plagued by insecurity as reported by TV Platinum.
Dickson objected to the Senate’s decision to issue a directive for the creation of military formations, warning that such action encroaches on the constitutional authority of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. …CONTINUE READING
According to the former Bayelsa State governor, while addressing insecurity is a priority, the Senate must respect the separation of powers.
“I want to call attention to the fact that directing the establishment of a military base is beyond our legislative scope. That responsibility lies with the President as the Commander-in-Chief,” Dickson said. He urged the Senate to amend the motion’s language, suggesting that it instead recommend that appropriate security measures be taken without issuing direct orders to the military.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, however, countered Dickson’s concerns by citing Section 217(2)(c) of the Nigerian Constitution. He argued that the National Assembly has the authority to make recommendations on military deployment as part of its oversight and legislative responsibilities, provided it does not infringe on the President’s command powers.
Akpabio emphasized that while the President retains ultimate command, the Constitution allows the National Assembly to act within its legislative framework to promote national security. He described the process as a “collaborative effort” rather than an overreach.
The debate highlights ongoing tensions over constitutional interpretation in matters of national security, particularly in how the legislative and executive branches navigate their respective roles.
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