Security: Tinubu writes Reps, seeks speedy confirmation of Service Chiefs

By Moses Adeniyi

Following his appointment of new Security Chiefs, President Bola Tinubu, has officially written the House of Representatives requesting the confirmation of the newly appointed Service Chiefs.

The request was contained in a letter read on the floor of the House by the Speaker of the lower chamber, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas during Thursday’s plenary.

In the letter addressed to the Speaker read at Plenary, the President asked the lawmakers to consider speedy confirmation of the Service Chiefs and the Chief of Defence Staff in accordance with extant laws.

The Service Chiefs to be confirmed by the chamber as appointed by President Tinubu are Maj. Gen. C.G Musa, Chief of Defence Staff; Maj. T. A Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral E. A Ogalla Chief of Naval Staff and AVM H.B Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff.

The President in the letter said that the request was in compliance with the provisions of Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act. Cap A20 Laws the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

The letter read in part: “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 House of Representatives is invited to note the current security situation of our country which requires concerted efforts of both the legislature and the executive to ensure a well-protected Nation.”

The letter reiterated the Service Chiefs to include: “Maj. Gen. C.G Musa, Chief of Defence Staff; Maj. T. A Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral E. A Ogalla Chief of Naval Staff and AVM H.B Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff.”

“This informed the review of our Defence Architecture and appointment of new leaders to work in synergy with one another to achieve the level of optimal performance expected of the Military.

“While I hope that the request will receive the expeditious consideration and confirmation of  the House of Representatives, Please accept, R.t Hon. Speaker, the assurances of my highest consideration,” the. letter added.

Recall the President had barely two weeks ago, on Monday June 19, announced the replacement of the former Service Chiefs, which include General Lucky Irabor as Chief of Defense Staff; Lt. Gen. Farouk Yahaya as Chief of Army Staff; Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo as Chief of Naval Staff; Air Marshal Isiaka Amao as Chief of Air Staff, and Usman Baba as Inspector-General of Police.