Tinubu Vows National Honors For Slain Soldiers, Urges Moderation In Summoning Officials

President Bola Tinubu, last night, promised that the sacrifices of the 16 soldiers killed last week in Okuama, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, would not be in vain.

Speaking during the breaking of Ramadan fast at State House, Abuja, with Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, and the leadership of the House, Tinubu said the deceased military personnel would be given befitting burial and national honours.

The president also used the forum to appeal to members of the National Assembly to exercise restraint in summoning heads of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) before legislative committees.

The president’s comments came as Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, yesterday, said the killers of the military men must be smoked out and treated as criminals. Diri called for concerted effort and support for the military and other security agencies to enable them bring the killers to justice.

The governor condemned the killings and expressed his deep condolences and that of the Bayelsa State government to the families of the slain military personnel, the armed forces, and the army, in particular. He stressed that no effort should be spared to bring the perpetrators to book.

Delta State Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, disclosed that the army was yet to grant the police access to Okuama. Abaniwonda said the area was still volatile and deserted.

Relatedly, the Senate Joint Committee on Defence, Army, Navy and Air Force told the military authorities not to harass or punish innocent citizens as they went after murderers of the officers.

In a similar vein, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) said Tinubu should investigate and ascertain the veracity of the allegations of military reprisal attacks on communities by Ijaw Youth Council (IYC).

IYC had alleged ongoing military operations in Igbomo¬toru 2 community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, saying no fewer than 40 people have been killed since the early hours of Sunday.

However, commenting on the death of the military men on national duty, Tinubu said, “In responding to distress calls, they met the end of their lives in a savage manner. Let us work to sympathise and symbolise the fact that they are worth the sacrifices they have made for Nigeria.

“We salute all our men and women in uniform, and we sympathise with them. I will soon make further pronouncements, but they must have a befitting burial and national honours.”

Advising members of the National Assembly on the rate of invitations to heads of MDAs, Tinubu said while oversight was essential to ensure transparency and accountability in governance, excessive summoning of officials could disrupt operations and hinder service delivery to citizens.

He urged lawmakers to show discretion in the exercise of their oversight functions.

The president stated, ”I have been watching various committees summoning ministers and heads of agencies. I have complained to the speaker to let the poor breathe. Let these people do the job. We are not saying that you are not influential. We are not saying you cannot do your oversight.

“But consider the primary duty of each agency, its personnel, or the responsibilities of the governor of the central bank or the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance to you and the entire nation.

“If they are distracted or disturbed, maybe we will shift parliamentary sitting all through the night. We must find a way to accommodate one another. This is an appeal to you. See if you can accept representatives in some instances or even documentations.”

The president, however, expressed confidence in the ability of the National Assembly to uphold good governance, and lauded the existing cordial relationship between the executive and the legislature. He said the harmonious working relationship had resulted in the expeditious passage of several bills to improve the welfare of Nigerians.

Tinubu urged the legislators not to forget their constituencies, saying they should take advantage of the holy month of Ramadan to show compassion and support the less privileged in society.

He told the legislators, “We are making sacrifices for the country, and we are assuring citizens that there is a very bright light at the end of the tunnel. We must have faith and, please, do not forget your constituencies and remember what they are going through.

“I cannot thank you enough for what you are doing, but it is for our country. There is nothing personal about this. It is for Nigeria, and we have no other country but Nigeria.”

Earlier, in his remarks, Abbas emphasised the importance of forgiveness, generosity, and prayers during Ramadan and called for unity in the country and support for Tinubu.

“I want to urge us to use this month to increase our good deeds and minimise our bad deeds,” he said.

Reflecting on the 10 months of the present administration, the speaker noted that the executive and legislature had continued to work in synergy for the progress of the country.

He said, “So far, so good, the House has been very supportive of the president and his policies, and we shall continue to ensure that we work together.”