From Usman Sani
The National Assembly has pledged to provide the Armed forces with the basic necessities needed to carryout its duties effectively.
Senate President, Ahmad Lawan gave the assurance when he led other members of the National Assembly to 44 Army Reference Hospital Kaduna to see wounded in action officers and soldiers as part of activities marking the second anniversary of the nineth Assembly.
Senator Ahmad Lawan explained that the purpose of the visit was to show compassion and empathy to the affected victims, as well as to assess first hand, the needs of the military.
The Senate President advocated for the provision of more resources to cater for the needs of the wounded in action officers and soldiers, stressing that the reflection of any military in the world depends on the investment of its country.
He assured that the National Assembly would expeditiously treat the Armed forces supplementary budget request as soon as it resumes from the anniversary recess, noting that next year’s appropriation would provide more resources for the Armed forces.
The Senate President appealed to the Armed forces to prioritize investments in hospitals by giving the wounded soldiers, the best treatment so as to motivate their colleagues in the frontline.
Senator Ahmad Lawan commended the Armed forces in its effort at securing the territorial integrity of Nigeria, and urged it to sustain the tempo.
In his speech, Acting Chief Medical Director Army of the Hospital Colonel Onuchukwu Steven said the visit would serve as a morale booster to the wounded officers.
He maintained that the hospital had treated and discharged over seven thousand soldiers since the commencement of insurgency in the North East.
Colonel Onuchukwu Steven said the effort of Nigerian Army in the fight against insurgency had recorded tremendous gains in recents years.
In a remark, General Officer Commanding One Division of the Nigerian Army Kaduna, Major General Danjuma Ali-Keffi commended the leadership of the National Assembly for the visit, describing it as symbolic.
Highlight of the visit was a pledge of ten million naira to the hospital by the Senate President on behalf of the National Assembly.