AS the two chambers of the National Assembly resumed plenary after a long break, what is confronting them is another daunting task of national cohesion through law making.

While the Senate and the House of Representatives were on recess, the nation witnessed an unprecedented security challenges that actually convulsed its resilience. Apart from security, there are other issues in the polity that make a fresh constitutional amendment compelling.

There have been an unrelenting spate of bombings in some parts of the North by aggrieved radical Islamic sect, Boko Haram. So far, the group’s campaign of terror appears to have defied both intelligence and security logic. Perhaps, a more dangerous dimension is the sect’s display of unwillingness to hold a peace parley with the government, at least for now.

Despite all efforts to bring about lasting peace, Jos, the Plateau State capital remains a killing field. That President Goodluck Jonathan directed the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshall Oluseyi Petirin, to take over the security in Jos underscores the seriousness of the situation at hand.

Tied to the growing insecurity across the country is the constant call for state police even from unusual quarters. Former military President, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd.) is one of the recent strong voices clamouring for state police.

Apart from security, there are still lingering issues of fiscal federalism and power devolution. Senate President, Senator David Mark, obviously gauged the nation’s mood rightly while addressing his colleagues at resumption of plenary on the arduous task before the National Assembly.

His address encapsulated expectations of average Nigerians from the law makers. Speaking specifically on security, the Senate President said: “When evil men conspire, all good men must congregate. We represent every segment of this country from where we draw our mandate and we must therefore return to the people and work with them in addressing our security challenges.

Speaking further, he said “… we cannot allow the people we represent to continue to live in fear. The bombers and their sponsors live amongst us and therefore our constituents should spare nothing in assisting to find a lasting solution to this national embarrassment ….” Experiences of past few weeks are quiet unfamiliar, Nigeria and indeed Nigerians are not known for terrorism; but it is a gripping cold reality the country is grappling with.

It is against this backdrop that the National Assembly must hit the ground running and rise to the current challenge. The Anti-Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011 may appear insufficient to curb the current menace.

While the option of engaging the bombers in a constructive peace dialogue should not be foreclosed, there is a need for tougher legislation on terrorism by the National Assembly.

This is necessary because the nation should not be perceived to have surrendered its sovereignty to any group, no matter the threats. Members of the National Assembly should bear in mind the sacred constitutional provision that security and welfare of the people are the raison d’etre of any government.

The two are the major indices with which a government is judged in success or failure. This is no time for partisanship. Opposition members in the two chambers should resist the temptation of toying with precious lives of Nigerians. Rather, they should collaborate with the leaderships and put aside partisan interest. This is about the future of this country and the people. The National Assembly should be up and doing in this regard.