Tinubu Seeks Confirmation Of Service Chiefs
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has written to the House of Representatives to ask for the confirmation of the appointment of the new service chiefs so as to boost security in Nigeria.
It is worth recalling that Tinubu on June 19 appointed the new service chiefs after retiring those that served under the immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari.
Those affected in the unprecedented shakeup include Alkali Usman who was removed as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Lucky Irabor, sacked as the Chief of Defence Staff; Faruk Yahaya, who retired as the Chief of Army Staff; Awwal Gambo, who was removed as the Chief of Naval Staff; and Isiaka Amao, retired as Chief of Air Staff.
The President subsequently appointed new service chiefs in the country and 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.
He appointed Maj. Gen. Christopher Musa as the Chief of Defence Staff, Maj. Gen Taoreed Lagbaja as the Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla as the Chief of Naval Staff, AVM Hassan Abubakar as the Chief of Air Staff, IGP Kayode Egbetokun as the Acting Inspector-General of Police and Maj. Gen. EPA Undiandeye as the Chief of Defense Intelligence.
The President also appointed Adeniyi Adewale as the Acting Comptroller General of Customs.
Tinubu who has the intention of strengthening security in the country has therefore written to the House of Reps for the speedy confirmation of the service chiefs.
“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,” the letter reads.
“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.
“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.”
The President said he hoped that his request would receive “expeditious consideration” and confirmation by the House of Representatives.
All the new appointees have since resumed in acting capacity awaiting their official confirmation.
The move by the President followed persistent calls by civil society organisations that the security architecture of Nigeria be rejigged and fresh hands allowed to handle the nation’s security apparatus.
