The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Thursday assured that issue of security was a priority project of the House and will ensure adequate funding the nation’s security.
The Speaker, who spoke when he attended the budget defence session of the House Committee on Defence, also said that the issue of local content should not be restricted to the petroleum industry alone.
He said it was because of the importance that the House attached to the issue of security that it featured prominently in its legislative agenda, saying “have no doubt that it is on the front burner, it is a priority for us”.
The Speaker who was accompanied by The House Leader, Ado Doguwa, said he decided to attend the sessions because of the importance the House attaches to issues of security.
“My presence here is a bit psychological, nothing more, nothing less. For me, it’s a mental psychological effect, in the sense that the Speaker and the Leader of the House are here. It tells you exactly how important we feel security matters are in this House. We have no doubt that it is on the front burner; it is a priority for us.
“For the first time in the history of the House of Representatives, we have the issue of the Armed Forces on the legislative agenda. Hardly do you have the Speaker or the leadership being part of budget hearing (defence). It’s important enough for us.
“I believe that the members that you have here were carefully chosen. They’re men who come with a lot of experience, passion and commitment, particularly in the area of security,” he said.
