The Senate has joined the House of Representatives in rejecting the Operation Positive Identification exercise planned to commence nationwide from November 1 by the Nigerian Army.
Addressing journalists on Wednesday in his office, the Senate’s Committee Chairman on Army, Ali Ndume said the Senate will not support any action that will violate the fundamental rights of the Nigerian masses.
Ndume said, “Although the Chief of Army Staff had described the alert as fake but as representatives of the people, we have summoned him to come and clarify it to Nigerians.
“As representatives of the people, we will not support any action or policy that would either cause inconveniences for Nigerians or tamper with their fundamental human rights which include freedom of movement.
“A similar exercise was done in the North-East and the people did not complain simply because the area is suffering great insurgency. It is not the case with other parts of the country.
“I support the idea of having every Nigerian having identification cards but anything that would cause any form of inconveniences for our people is not acceptable and would be vehemently resisted by us in the National Assembly.”
Ndume also said the joint National Assembly Committee on the Army has summoned the Chief of Army Staff, Brig. General Yusuf Buratai to appear before it to explain the reason behind the planned operation.
