President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday sent a request to the Senate for the confirmation of the newly appointed service chiefs.
The request which was contained in a letter dated 27th January, 2021, was read by the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, during plenary.
Lawan’s aide, Ezrel Tabiowo, in a statement, quoted the President’s letter to have 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.”
President Buhari had appointed the new service chiefs after intense pressure by Nigerians demanding fresh hands to handle the country’s counter-terrorism war, especially in the North-East.
Recall that human rights lawyers, including Femi Falana (SAN) had said the President lacked powers to appoint the new service chiefs without the constitutional endorsement of the National Assembly.