In a statement issued on Friday by House Spokesman Rep. Akintunde Rotimi Jr., the Green Chamber acknowledged growing public anxiety over insecurity across various parts of the country but stressed that solving the crisis requires collective responsibility and coordinated action from all stakeholders.
The House noted that the concerns expressed by the Minority Caucus reflect the fears and frustrations of many Nigerians. However, it reminded lawmakers that Parliament possesses constitutional powers—including lawmaking, oversight, budget approvals, and constituency engagement—to directly influence security policies and outcomes.
According to the statement, members of the National Assembly should not be limited to issuing public comments but should actively pursue practical legislative interventions capable of strengthening national security.
House Defends Ongoing Security Efforts
The House highlighted ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat criminal activities, rescue kidnapped victims, and stabilize communities affected by violence and insurgency.
While acknowledging that security challenges remain serious in some regions, lawmakers pointed to what they described as steady progress in degrading criminal networks and improving operational effectiveness.
The statement also emphasized that Nigeria’s security problems have developed over many years and cannot be solved through isolated measures or political rhetoric alone.
House Leader Speaks
House Leader Rt. Hon. Julius Ihonvbere said national security should not be viewed through partisan lenses.
“Security remains a shared national responsibility that transcends political affiliation. Our duty as Parliament is not only to express concern but to ensure such concerns are translated into effective legislative and oversight actions that strengthen national security.”
He further noted that both Majority and Minority lawmakers share the same constitutional duty to protect the interests of Nigerians.
“The strength of the House lies in its unity of purpose, even amid differing perspectives. Majority or Minority, we are bound by the same constitutional responsibility to the Nigerian people.”
The statement comes amid continued public concern over insecurity, including banditry, kidnappings, communal conflicts, and threats to rural communities.
By addressing the Minority Caucus directly, the House appears to be encouraging lawmakers across party lines to focus on actionable policy solutions rather than political exchanges, especially as Nigerians continue to demand stronger security outcomes.
The House of Representatives' response signals a growing push within the National Assembly for greater accountability among lawmakers themselves. Rather than framing security as solely an Executive Branch responsibility, the House is reminding all legislators that they share responsibility for shaping policies, approving resources, and overseeing institutions tasked with protecting Nigerians.
As insecurity remains one of the country's most pressing challenges, the effectiveness of this collective approach will likely be judged by measurable improvements in safety and stability across affected communities.