Reps amend standing rules, creates c’ttee on conflict detection, resolution

The House of Representatives on Thursday amended its standing rules by creating an additional standing committee charged with conflict detection, engagement and resolution in an attempt to nip in the bud perennial cases of violent clashes in various parts of the country.

The amendment proposed by Deputy Speaker Sulaimon Lasun Yussuff is expected to interface with warring parties in conflict situations to achieve an amicable settlement.

The deputy speaker who moved the motion for the creation of the new committee, stressed the need to amend the House Standing Orders pursuant to Order 19, Rule 7 to accommodate the creation.

In his lead debate, the Lasun observed that the spate of violence and security challenges in the country with its attendant loss of lives and property stall meaningfull development in the country.

He argued that the situation if not nlpped in the bud is growing out of proportion, hence the need to engage warring parties in conflict situations to achieve peacefully resolutions.

The Deputy Speaker who spoke with passion said the new Committee when in place will alert security agencies on the likelihood of the outbreak of conflicts in any community in Nigeria.

He added that “the proposed Committee will be liaising with relevant committees of the House on conflict management and oversight on all matters relating to Peace and Conflict Resolution. ”

The Deputy Speaker had earlier noted that the Nigerian Security Agencies have not been proactive enough to curtail or address the security challenges ranging from kidnapping to armed robbery and deadly attacks by suspected herdsmen.

Henry Omunu, Abuja