Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Senator Seriake Dickson clashed during plenary over a decision to call for new military bases in areas affected by insecurity.
The Senate urged the federal government to establish a military base in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State to address rising attacks by Boko Haram insurgents in the northeast.
This resolution followed a motion presented by Senator Aminu Abbas, representing Adamawa Central, and supported by all Northeastern lawmakers.
The motion seeks increase military presence and improve response to ongoing attacks that have displaced residents and damaged local infrastructure.
Dickson, representing Bayelsa West, challenged the Senate’s move, saying it crossed constitutional lines.
He argued that the power to establish military bases rests with the President, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
According to Dickson, the Senate should avoid directing specific military actions and instead ask the government to take appropriate security measures.
He insisted that the Senate’s role should respect the separation of powers and not interfere with the President’s authority over the military.
On the other hand, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other senators countered Dickson while defending the resolution.
They said the National Assembly has the right to recommend security measures under its oversight duties, as long as it does not take over the command role held by the President.
Akpabio called for ongoing vigilance from security forces, pointing out that porous borders allow insurgents to cross into communities.
He described the Senate’s actions as part of a cooperative effort to strengthen national security.
