Tambuwal seeks military’s protection to visit troubled spots in Borno against alleged Presidential directive

Tambuwal’s request was communicated in a letter to the CDS, which was signed by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Sada Soli Jibia on March 1st.

The letter, reads: “I have the honour to refer to the Resolution of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, 18 February, 2014 on the Matter of Urgent Public Importance: Incessant killings of innocent civilians by gunmen in Gwoza, Damboa and Chibok local government areas of Borno State between December 2013 and February 2014 (Copy of the Votes and Proceedings attached).

“Consequently, the House mandated the Honourable Speaker to visit these places to commiserate with the government and people of the affected areas over the massacre.

“In view of the foregoing, I am directed to request the Chief of Defence staff to make necessary arrangements on or before Saturday 8th March, 2014 to facilitate the visit of the Honourable Speaker as mandated by the House of Representatives.

“While expressing my confidence that the Chief of Defence Staff will do everything possible to facilitate this visit, please accept the assurances of the Honourable Speaker’s highest regards.”

A source in the National Assembly told Nation news that there appeared to be a signal from the Villa not to allow Tambuwal visit the troubled region.

The source said: “The Speaker has been trying since January to visit some victims of Boko Haram, but there have been cold shoulders from some people in the presidency.

“I think for political reasons, some people do not want the Speaker to go to these trouble spots. The real motive of the House is to assess the extent of damage and identify with the victims of Boko Haram.

“The House leadership felt it is insufficient to leave Borno State Government to face the trauma of managing Boko Haram carnage.

“The body language of some forces in the Presidency actually accounted for the resolution of the House on February 18, 2014.

“With the official documentation of the request for the visit as mandated by the House, we are waiting to see whether the CDS will respect this chamber or not.”