By Saminu Ibrahim
A member representing Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo federal constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Dr. Richard Gbande has condemned the extra judicial killing of Mr Terwase Agwaza (A.K.A) Gana.
Consequently, the lawmaker has sought for immediate probe of the murder of Gana.
It would be recalled that Gana was killed on the 8th September 2020, among other criminals, but reportedly renounced a life of crime, surrendered to the State Government Amnesty Programme at Akume Atongu Stadium Katsina-Ala and was been moved for formal presentation to the state security council in Makurdi, by traditional rulers, political leaders and Clergymen before soldiers allegedly killed him.
Gbande, who spoke to newsmen recently, said though he had been consistent in condemning the reign of terror Mr Terwase Agwaza A.K.A Gana unleashed on his community, saying extra-judicial killing of a surrendered repented militant cannot be condoned.
He insisted that the “rule of law and International Humanitarian laws are sacrosanct and must always prevail hence, extra-judicial killings of suspects is unacceptable”.
Continuing “if you arrest a person, he is under your control, and so as a professional military man you cannot gun him down” Gbande said.
He added that extra-judicial killing is an infringement of the citizens’ rights to life and state violation of international human rights charter of which Nigeria is a signatory.
“The paper strongly recommends that Nigerian Security Agencies must be re-orientated on how best to protect the rights of the citizenry” he added.
The lawmaker called on state and government of the Federation to investigate the circumstances that led to the condemnable act and take further measures to address social, political, economic and environmental challenges.
He also canvassed development of strategies to calm the reprehensible act capable of inciting banditry and criminal acts.
Gbande urged the Government to foster youth, education and farmers empowerment programs in order to help address the conditions which have enabled the emergence and survival of Bandits and criminals in the region.
He admonished his constituents and youths in the area to remain calm and law abiding.
Meanwhile, contributing to debate on the general principle of the 2021 Appropriation bill, Gbande said “as representatives of the people, it is our responsibility to guarantee and ensure socio economic development of their well being”.
Acccording to Gbande this is through the instrumentality of the budget, saying “it involves appropriation of resources for the development of the critical sector”.
He explained that this entails paying special attention to the minute details of the budget processes on formulation, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and feedback.
“For effective and efficient implementation of the budget, which is the most important phases of any policy, we have to look at the components of the budget” he added.
