President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially written to the Senate, seeking confirmation for the recently appointed Service Chiefs.
The letter, which was read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during the plenary session on Tuesday, outlined the President’s request for the Senate to screen the nominees in due course.
Akpabio emphasized that the entire Senate would conduct the screening process within the Senate chamber, with a specific date yet to be announced.
As the relevant Standing Committees of the Senate have yet to be constituted, the Committee of the Whole will take charge of the screening procedure.
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The nominated Service Chiefs awaiting confirmation include Major General C.G. Musa for the position of Chief of Defence Staff, Major T.A. Lagbaja as Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admiral E.A. Ogalla as Chief of Naval Staff, and Air Vice Marshal H.B. Abubakar as Chief of Air Staff.
President Tinubu’s letter underscored that the request aligns with the provisions stipulated in Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
During the National Assembly’s break, the President appointed the new service chiefs, a move that attracted attention and anticipation.
The appointment aimed to address the prevailing security situation in the country, as highlighted in the President’s letter.
“In compliance with the provisions of Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, I am pleased to present, for confirmation by the Senate, the four nominees listed below as Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs for the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the letter stated.
The President further emphasized the urgent need for collaboration between the executive and legislative branches in tackling the current security challenges faced by the nation. Recognizing the importance of a well-protected nation, President Tinubu appealed to the Senate to prioritize the confirmation process.
The nominees’ names were reiterated in the letter, including Major General C.G. Musa as Chief of Defence Staff, Major T.A. Lagbaja as Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admiral E.A. Ogalla as Chief of Naval Staff, and Air Vice Marshal H.B. Abubakar as Chief of Air Staff.
“The review of our Defence Architecture and appointment of new leaders to work in synergy with one another is informed by the current security situation of our country, which requires concerted efforts from both the legislature and the executive to ensure a well-protected nation,” the letter emphasized.
President Tinubu expressed hope that the Senate would promptly consider and confirm the nominees, demonstrating the government’s commitment to optimizing the performance of the military.
