By Kamil Opeyemi
President Bola Tinubu has formally asked the House of Representatives to confirm the newly appointed service chiefs.
The Speaker of the House, Abass Tajudeen opened Thursday plenary by reading the President’s letter seeking the confirmation of the appointments of the heads of security agencies.
President Tinubu according to the letter asked the lawmakers to consider the speedy confirmation of the Service Chiefs under extant laws.
Tinubu said 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.
On June 19, 2023, Tinubu removed all service chiefs in Nigeria and appointed new ones whom he directed to resume with immediate effect.
Those removed include Alkali Usman as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Lucky Irabor, as the Chief of Defence Staff; Faruk Yahaya, retired as the Chief of Army Staff; Awwal Gambo, removed as the Chief of Naval Staff; and Isiaka Amao, retired as Chief of Air Staff.
He subsequently appointed Maj. Gen. C.G Musa as the Chief of Defence Staff, Maj. Gen T. A Lagbaja as the Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admiral E. A Ogalla as the Chief of Naval Staff, AVM H.B Abubakar as the Chief of Air Staff, IGP Kayode Egbetokun as the Acting Inspector-General of Police.
Tinubu also appointed Adeniyi Adewale as the Acting Comptroller General of Customs.
He also named a former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu, as his new National Security Adviser (NSA). Ribadu replaces Babagana Monguno as the nation’s NSA.
All the new appointees have since resumed in acting capacity awaiting the confirmation by the National Assembly.
“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 read in part
“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.”
“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, Rt Hon. Speaker, the assurances of my highest consideration.”
Tinubu during his inauguration speech on May 29th promised to “defend the nation from terror and all forms of criminality that threaten the peace and stability of our country”
He added that “to effectively tackle this menace, we shall reform both our security doctrine and its architecture.”