The House of Representatives has demanded a befitting posthumous honour for Lieutenant Colonel Muhammadu Abu Ali and 6 other soldiers who died in the fight against Boko Haram terrorism recently.
The House of Representatives on Tuesday in a motion moved by Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki, under matters of urgent public importance listed the demands as:
First, the Reps demanded that the Former Commanding Officer of 272 Battalion of the Nigerian Army who died on Friday should be bestowed with the posthumous rank of One-Star General by the Nigerian President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari.
Lieutenant Colonel Muhammadu Abu Ali, a Prince of Bassa-Nge kingdom of Kogi State, was hacked to death by the men of the Boko Haram sect on Friday, alongside six other soldiers, namely: Sgt. Mu’azu Ibrahim, Sgt. Hussain Jafaru, Sgt. Bassey Okon, Cpl. Chukwu Simon, Able Seaman Patrick Paul and Pvt. Salisu Lawal.
Second, the Green Chamber of the National Assembly also resolved that each of the 6 slain soldiers should be promoted posthumously, in lieu of their next rank of service.
Third, after entertaining comments and eulogies from the Honourable Members, the House also resolved that President Buhari should award Lt. Col. Mohammed Abu-Ali and the other 6 slain Soldiers National Honours, in recognition of their “uncommon bravery and service in protecting the country’s territorial integrity, for which they have paid the ultimate price.”
Fourth, while observing a minute silence in honour of the soldiers, the Lawmakers also urged federal government to offer the spouse of Lt. Col. Mohammed Abu-Ali and those 6 others, automatic employment and their children educational scholarship to the highest level.
