Boko Haram: Reps urge FG to immortalize slain Lt. Colonel

An archive photo showing army chief presenting merit award to Late Lt Colonel Abu Ali

The House of Representatives on Tuesday in Abuja urged the Federal Government to immortalise the late Lt. Col Abu Ali by promoting him to the rank of a Colonel.

The House also urged the Federal Government to promote the six soldiers, who were killed alongside Ali to their next ranks accordingly.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion under matters of urgent public importance sponsored by Rep. Abdussamad Dasuki (APC-Sokoto).

Moving the motion, Dasuki urged the Federal Government to offer Ali’s wife automatic employment and the children educational scholarship up to university level.

In his prayers, the lawmaker advocated for accelerated disbursement of all benefits accruable to the families of the deceased.

It will be recalled that Ali and six others were killed by the insurgents on Nov. 4 while prosecuting the war against terrorism in Mallam Fatori in Borno.

Contributing to the debate, the House Minority Leader, Rep. Leo Ogor (PDP-Delta) described Ali as dogged military personnel who served the nation with patriotism.

“He proved that in any capacity, you can serve the nation with great enthusiasm and commitment,’’ he added.

Rep. Nicholas Ossai (PDP-Delta), who described the death of the soldiers as unfortunate said, “Ali became a nemesis to the Boko haram, but his triumphs over the group’s plot to stop him only made him braver in the battlefield.

“It could be recalled that Ali’s exceptional gallantry earned him accelerated promotion from Major to Lt. Col in September 2015.

“Having paid the highest price in defence of one’s nation, the question that should come to haunt Nigerians is a befitting way to immortalise such valour,’’ Ossai said.

Similarly, the House Minority Whip, Rep. Yakubu Bade said the event was an unfortunate incident capable of demoralising other troops and arming their killers with a strong tool of derisory propaganda.

The House, therefore, observed one minute silence in respect of the fallen heroes.

Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara mandated the committee on Defence to ensure that the executive complied with the resolution.

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