Senate steps into Shi’ite, Military clash

Few days after a bloody clash between members of the Shiite Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) and soldiers attached to the convoy of the Chief of Staff of the Nigerian Army, the Senate, yesterday, waded into the crisis.
The clash, which left over one hundred protesters dead, occurred last Saturday in Zaria, Kaduna state. Determined to put an end to the lingering crisis, the Senate, yesterday constituted an ad-hoc committee, comprising seven standing committees to investigate the matter.
The setting up of the ad-hoc committee was the outcome of an over one-hour long closed door session embarked upon by the Senate upon resumption of plenary yesterday to deliberate on the worsening crisis in Kaduna state.
The President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, said it had become necessary to find a solution to the ongoing crisis to forestall further escalation.
“The senate in a closed session exhaustively discussed the incident involving the Nigerian Army and the Islamic Movement Group known as the Shiites Group and all subsequent events. Accordingly, the Senate has unanimously resolved to investigate the incident and an ad hoc Committee has been mandated to investigate.
“The ad hoc committee will comprise the Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the Committee on Defence, Intelligence and National Security; Juiciary and Human Rights; Army, Police Affairs; Internal Afffairs and Foreign Affairs.
“The committee is to be headed by the chairman of the Senate Committee on Defense, Sen. Ahmed Lawan (APC Yobe North),” Saraki said.
He gave the committee four weeks to report back to the Senate. While briefing newsmen after plenary, the Spokesman of the Senate Senator Aliyu Sabi (APC, Niger North), urged all parties and all Nigerians to remain calm.
He said the Senate’s decision to wade into the matter was in a bid to ensure peace is maintained in all parts of the country.
“The Senate deeply and sincerely regrets the loss of lives and properties by all affected parties and the general public.
“The senate is seriously concerned and committed to ensuring that peace reigns in our dear country and will act in accordance with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at all times,” he said.