From Bashir Mayere (Abuja)
President Muhammadu Buhari has communicated the appointment of the Service Chiefs to the National Assembly and sought for the confirmation by the Senate.
According to a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly matters Senator Babajide Omoworare this Friday said the President sought the confirmations of the appointees through his letter to the Senate President as furtherance of Section 18 (1) of the Armed Forces Act Cap. A.20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.
The statement explains that this is contrary to fears expressed in some quarters that President Muhammadu Buhari has “bypassed” the National Assembly in the process of the appointment of the Service Chiefs and that he has no intention of seeking consideration and confirmation of their appointment.
It further explains that President Muhammadu Buhari upon nomination for appointment, sought confirmation of the Senate for the appointment of Major General Lucky Irabor, Major General Ibrahim Attahiru, Rear Admiral Awwal Gambo and Air Vice Marshal Isiaka Amao as Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff and Chief of Air Staff respectively, vide his aforementioned letter.
The National Assembly is expected to resume plenary sessions on 9th February 2021, with Mr. President’s communication for consideration and confirmation of the nominations for appointment of the Service Chiefs would be undertaken.