Reps probe military uniforms, equipment importation by Kogi

House of Representatives yesterday directed its joint Committee on Customs Service and National Intelligence and Public Safety to investigate the alleged importation of military uniforms and equipment by the Kogi state government.
The Committee was also directed to quiz the Customs authorities on why, rather than arresting the importer, it asked that it should “go and procure end-user certificate from the office of the National Security Adviser, even when aware that the importer was not constitutionally empowered to procure arms, and will not under the right circumstances be able to get the certificate.
” Hon. Sunday Karimi Sunday had, in a motion on the urgent need to check the importation of fi rearms and military equipment into the country by politicians and private citizens, said: “There were strong indications that the government of Kogi State imported 100 pieces of military camouflage, 26 pieces of military camouflage jungle boots and 20 pieces of plastic knives.
” He said “other items allegedly imported by the government include 24 pieces of black bullet proof vests, 28 black boxing gloves, 26 pieces of Arctic hunter bags, 40 pieces of training mats, 20 pieces of black batons, 100 pieces black T-shirts, 31 pieces of protective glasses, 25 pieces of black sunglasses and 29 pieces of black uniform belts, and others.
” He said it was of great concern the government, which owes workers’ salaries of several months and yet “spending the meager resources on importation of military hardware, an exercise no private citizen or state government is constitutionally empowered to do.
” Contributing to debate on the motion, Hon. Nnenna ElenduUkeje, expressed dismay on the rationale behind the action, adding that there “have been continuous rise in the proliferation of illegal fi rearms in the country, motive for which must be investigated.
” Also, Femi Olubanjo decried the inadequacy of the nation’s police personnel, and the porousness of our borders, leading to the massive infl ux of illegal fi rearms.