Table of Contents
- Committee Formation
- Senate Announcement
- Concerns Over Abductions
- Security Wake-Up Call
- Need for Probe
- Committee Mandate
The Senate has established an 18-member ad hoc committee, chaired by former Abia State governor, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, to investigate the execution of the Safe School Initiative across the nation.
The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, made this announcement during the plenary session on Thursday, revealing the committee's members, which include Senators Tony Nwoye, Yemi Adaramodu, Harry Ipalibo, Ede Dafinone, Mustapha Saliu, Diket Plang, Binus Yaroe, Kaka Shehu, and Musa Garba Maidoki, among others.
The formation of this committee was prompted by lawmakers' concerns following the recent kidnapping of 25 students from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State.
Senators raised questions about the utilization of funds allocated to the initiative, especially in light of the ongoing attacks on educational institutions nationwide.
Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (APC Kebbi North), in an urgent motion, stated that the kidnapping of the female students and the murder of the school's vice principal by bandits was “a disgraceful slap on the nation's face” that requires immediate attention.
“This serves as a wake-up call for the country regarding security and safety, as a nation that cannot protect its children is not worth living in,” he remarked.
The necessity to investigate the Safe School Programme, which was established after the abduction of the Chibok girls in 2014, was proposed by the President of the 9th Senate and current chairman of the Committee on Defence, Dr. Ahmad Lawan (APC Yobe North), during his remarks.
He stated, “Since schools are still not safe and secure for our students, there is a pressing need to examine the funds allocated and how they were spent, as the anticipated outcomes are not being realized.”
The Senate has tasked the ad hoc committee with conducting a comprehensive investigation into the Safe School Fund established in 2014 and to report back within four weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the newly formed ad hoc committee?
The ad hoc committee is tasked with investigating the implementation of the Safe School Initiative in response to recent kidnappings and ongoing attacks on educational institutions.
Who are the members of the committee?
The committee is chaired by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and includes Senators Tony Nwoye, Yemi Adaramodu, Harry Ipalibo, Ede Dafinone, Mustapha Saliu, Diket Plang, Binus Yaroe, Kaka Shehu, and Musa Garba Maidoki, among others.
What prompted the formation of this committee?
The committee was formed following demands from lawmakers after the abduction of 25 students from a secondary school in Kebbi State, highlighting concerns about the safety of educational institutions.
How long does the committee have to report its findings?
The Senate has mandated the ad hoc committee to complete its investigation and report back within four weeks.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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