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Nigeria: Senator Explains Motion Against Army Occupation
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This Day (Lagos)
COLUMN
15 May 2008
Posted to the web 15 May 2008
Lagos
As the nation continues to grapple with the challenge of security in the Niger Delta Region, Senator Barigha Amange representing Bayelsa East Senatorial District has shed more light on why he moved the motion calling for the withdrawal of soldiers from the region and Nembe Community.
He stated that he was compelled by the suffering of the people of the region as well as his Nembe Community and the atmosphere of occupation of the area in moving the motion calling for the withdrawal of soldiers in the area.
Speaking on the development, he noted that '"As far as I can remember, at about May 1, 2006, just after the burial of the late King, the army came.
"From investigation, the army hierarchy had denied knowledge of sending the army in. Stories were that they were sent in because of problem between Ogbolomabri and Basambri, the two neighbouring towns here"
"Another version is that they were sent in to protect oil installations. They have been there for 24 months and I have settled so many problems between the army and the youths, between the army and sometimes women.
" I used to call the commander and talk to him; he was quite friendly, understanding and I believe they must have changed him by now", he said.
"There was no time within these 24 months that I, Senator Amange, called for a withdrawal of the military in Nembe", he said. About two or three weeks ago, I had a call and was told that five boys were heavily brutalised by the army. I went there and saw these boys. What happened? They use hot water on them, pour petrol inside the hot water before whipping them so anywhere the whip touches would peel off, it is dehumanising, I donít even know their names, but that is not the issue, my campaign slogan is the defender of the oppressed"
He maintained that "I cannot see this and keep quiet, so I came here and moved the motion for the withdrawal of the army from the place. The constitution is quite clear, Section 217 stipulates the work of the army and this is not one of the jobs of the army. Even if they are criminals, the job is for the police to do their job. There is no danger of taking over the nation (if you can go through section 217, a, b, c, d you would see what I am saying), it is wrong".
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Amange said "That is why am still calling for their withdrawal and if possible, those who committed these heinous acts must be tried. Have you conducted your own investigations to find out who actually ordered the army to be brought in"
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