By Aiyeku Timothy
President Muhammadu Buhari, on Wednesday, accepted to appear before the House of Representatives in order to address Nigerians on the worsening security situation in the country.
This was made known by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, after he led a delegation of the House leadership for a meeting with the President at the presidential villa, Abuja.
It would be recalled that the House had on Tuesday, summoned President Buhari to brief them on the worrying security situation in the country.
The House gave their order following the recent massacre of over 43 rice farmers in Borno State by the Boko Haram insurgents.
Gbajabiamila stated that the resolution of the House, asking the President to appear before the Green Chamber to address the security situation in the country was discussed in the meeting with Buhari.
The Speaker disclosed that a date for the President to appear has now been agreed, but refused to reveal it as he stated that it would happen “in the near future.”
According to him, the lawmakers discussed with the President on burning issues and he was willing to listen “as is typical of Mr. President, the usual democrat that he is.”
His words “What we basically sought is to convey the resolution of the House and to fix a date, which we did not fix out of respect for Mr. President and his very tight schedule, what date will be convenient. We have agreed on a date and he will meet with the House to address the situation.”
While noting that he would communicate the date to the media, Gbajabiamila added: “He’s is a perfect democrat. He will come and address the House in the nearest future.”
The Speaker added that President Buhari was more worried and concerned than any other person in the country over the insecurity being experienced.
He said, “I think he is more concerned than me or you, that is what I can say. You know they say uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. We will leave everything until when he comes to the house.
“Let me not preempt him, but all I can tell you right now is that he is fully committed to the security, the welfare lives and property of Nigerians.”
He added “He is coming to talk to Nigerians through the house. You know the house as we have it, as it is constituted, all of Nigeria is present in the house, every single constituency in this country is represented in the house.
“You shouldn’t look at it as Mr. President talking to the house, he is talking to Nigerians through their representatives.”
