Senator Sulaiman Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, says he moved a motion for the re-opening of Nigeria-Niger borders to alleviate the suffering of Nigerian businessmen and less privilleged.
Shedding lights on the motion which raised dust at the plenary on Tuesday, said the motion become neccesary considering the sufferings of Nigerian masses and business class due to the border closure.
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“I have personally consulted some businessmen and associations of various traders unions in the north and their revelations are very pathetic. A lot of people are suffering in silence courtesy of the border closure and that should not be the case under a democratic government.
“Government is being established to carter for the needs of its citizenry. Security and welbeing of the citizenry are critical needs of our people. Everybody knows the business relationship between the people of Niger republic and Northerners which has been in existence for donkey years.
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“However, following closure of our borders with Niger republic, this relation is diminishing on daily basis and a lot of businesses are sufferring.
“People of seven Northrn states comprising of Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara and Borno are facing serious difficulties as a result of closure of our borders with Niger republic. Their businesses have collapsed. As representstives, we should not fold our arms watching them suffering uncessarily.
“We have provisions in the Constitution that provide a way out and that is why I moved a motion, seeking for the Senate to call on Mr. President to reopen these borders so that we can salvage our people from difficulties they are facing in doing business with partners in Niger Republic,” he noted.
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Senator Sumaila, however, said although the motion has raised dust during session, but people have understood the motive behind the motion and the Senate President had promised to meet with Mr. President on the issues before the Senate could take further act
