The Senate, on Tuesday deliberated on President Muhammadu Buhari’s request to confirm the newly appointed service chiefs.
The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan read the request which was contained in a letter dated 27th January, 2021.
A statement by Lawan’s aide, Ezrel Tabiowo, said the letter read, “In compliance with the provisions of Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act. Cap A20 Laws the Federation of Nigeria 2004, I hereby forward for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of the under listed officer as the Chief of Defence Staff and Services Chiefs of the Armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The appointees for confirmation are: Maj. Gen. Lucky Eluonye Onyenuchea lrabor – Chief of Defence Staff; Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru – Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo – Chief of Naval Staff; and Air Vice Marshal Isiaka O. Amao – Chief of Air staff.
“They are to replace the former Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin; Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.”
African News Today had reported the appointment of the service chiefs after the persistent outcry by Nigerians that the president rejigs the country’s security architecture to usher in new ideas on how best to surmount the security challenges plaguing the country.
The appointment was countered by prominent lawyers among whom were Femi Falana who had said Buhari didn’t have the powers to appoint the new generals without the constitutional endorsement of the National Assembly.