Reminded by Senate Minority Leader, Eyinnaya Abaribe, that the Senate thought Nigeria’s former Service chiefs were not good enough as security heads of the armed forces three times, the Upper House proved bookmakers right that they did not possess the capacity to reject the request of President Muhammadu Buhari to have them as non-career ambassadors Tuesday confirming them amidst strong opposition from some members.
The manner of the closure of the debate spoke volumes. Those confirmed.ed were General Gabriel Olonisakin (rtd); Lt. General Tukur Buratai (rtd); Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete E. Ibas (rtd); Air Marshal Sadique B. Abubakar (rtd); and Air Vice Marshal Muhammad S. Usman (rtd).
Justifying the confirmation, Lawan said: “I checked our resolutions and in some of our resolutions, we said the President should change, replace and remove them as Service Chiefs. They have been removed which I think it’s a plus for this Senate.
“Now if they are nominated for something that is different, I think our resolutions asking for their removal as Service Chiefs does not cross over to their nomination. On that call, the nominations cannot be nullified because we said they should be changed”.
He added after their confirmation, “These nominees that we have just confirmed are nominees that have served this country to the best of their ability. Our appeal to the Executive is to make sure they use their experiences as military men to the best.
“We wish them a very successful career in their capacity as Non-Career Ambassadors.”
Details soon…