Senate Takes Action On Motion Seeking Re-opening Of Nigeria’s Borders With Niger Republic

The Senate has rejected a motion to reopen Nigeria’s borders with Niger Republic which was closed as a result of the military takeover.

Senator Suleiman Kawu Sumaila (NNPP, Kano) had during plenary on Tuesday, lamented on the floor of the senate that the closed borders had caused economic hardships in many border towns like Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Borno and Yobe states.

He therefore appealed for the reopening of the borders so as to alleviate the sufferings of those affected.

In his view, “the closure runs contrary to the provisions of the Nigeria constitution that guarantees the security and welfare of the citizens.”

However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio pointed out that the upper chamber had resolved to back the resolutions of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), on the political situation in Niger Republic following the military takeover of power in the nation.

Akpabio, therefore, urged Senator Sumaila to withdraw the motion, saying the reopening of the borders had security implications.

Following the advice, the Kano lawmaker thereafter withdrew the motion.

It would be recalled that following the military coup in Niger Republic, the Nigerian government had in August, ordered the closure of all borders with the Niger Republic and disconnected power supply to the country.