The House of Representatives has called for the immediate evacuateeion of Nigerian from Ukraine to avert any casualties
In a motion of urgent public importance Rep. Ahmed Munir moved a motion on the urgent need to evaluate the level of safety of Nigerians and Nigerian students in Ukraine, and the possible need to evacuate them considering the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and it was seconded by Rep. Olumide Osoba.
Rep. Munir called the attention of the House to the fact that tensions between Russia and Ukraine seem to be escalating daily, hence the urgent need for the Federal government to act in the interest of Nigerians stranded in Ukraine. He called on the House to mandate the House Committees on Foreign Affairs as well as Diaspora to evacuate the number of affected Nigerians in Ukraine, diplomatic employees in the Nigerian Embassy in Ukraine, as well as students living there.
Meanwhile, Rep. Yusuf Buba Yakub who is the House Committee Chairman on Foreign Affairs stated that a state of emergency has been declared by the Ukrainian government and the situation for individuals on the ground is deteriorating in terms of procuring food, water and other amenities.
He further stated that he was in touch with the Nigerian Ambassador to Ukraine and he was assured that the country is making urgent arrangements to ensure calmness is restored.
Debating further on the issue, the Leader of the House, Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa called on the Federal government to ensure the safety and security of Nigerians living and schooling in Ukraine. He reminded members of the need for the House to be proactive for the collective interest of Nigerians at home and abroad. Rep. Ado-Doguwa further called on the relevant committees of the House to act swiftly on the issue.
Rep. Herman Hembe bemoaned the lateness of countries to act in the favor of their citizens living in Ukraine, especially after the warning issued by the American government for Americans to leave Ukraine on time. He wondered why action wasn’t taken by Nigeria when the threat was imminent and the opportunity to act existed weeks ago.
Rep. Chris Azubogu stated that international relations and the hope that Russia would not attack made nations whittle down the threat of attack. He however called for swift action by the Federal government to evacuate all stranded Nigerians.
Rep. Leke Abejide called on the House to reach out to the Chairman of Air Peace to help in evacuating Nigerians as he has done in times past.
Rep. Munir Dan-Agundi proposed an amendment to call on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Foreign Affairs Ministry to summon the Russian ambassador to Nigeria to ensure the safety of Nigerians in Ukraine.
The amendment was voted on, but not adopted.
Rep. Olumide Osoba also proposed an amendment to ensure the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora Commission take advantage of the nearest ceasefire window to evacuate Nigerians stranded in Ukraine.
The Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila called for the evacuation of Nigerians in Ukraine as fast as possible. He stated that time is of the essence and the Federal government should do everything necessary in ensuring the safety of Nigerians in Ukraine.
The House resolved and directed the Leader of the House and the House Chairman on Foreign Affairs to liaise with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Intelligence Agency and see if there is a clear plan to evacuate Nigerians, the motion was voted on and adopted by the house.