Buhari Seeks NASS Confirmation of Service Chiefs

The President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday wrote to the Senate seeking the confirmation of the new Service Chiefs.

The letter dated 27 January, 2021, and addressed to the Senate President argued that the appointment was done in furtherance of Section 18 (1) of the Armed Forces Act Cap. A.20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

A statement by the Senior Special Assistance on National Assembly Matters (Senate) to the President, Senator Babajide Omoworare stated that “contrary to fears expressed in some quarters that President Muhammadu Buhari has “bypassed” the National Assembly in the process of the appointment of the Service Chiefs and that he has no intention of seeking consideration and confirmation of their appointment, Mr. President, upon nomination for appointment, sought confirmation of the Senate for the appointment of Major General Lucky Irabor, Major General Ibrahim Attahiru, Rear Admiral Awwal Gambo and Air Vice Marshal Isiaka Amao as Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff and Chief of Air Staff respectively.”

He disclosed that contrary to speculations, the President is committed to ensuring that due process is followed in the appointment of the Service Chiefs.

“It is on record that this same procedure was adopted when the immediate past Service Chiefs were appointed. Upon announcement of the appointment of the then Service Chiefs – Major General Abayomi Olonisakin (Chief of Defence Staff), Major General Tukur Buratai (Chief of Army Staff), Rear Admiral Ibok-Efe Ibas (Chief of Naval Staff) and Air Vice Marshal Sadique Abubakar (Chief of Air Staff), Mr. President had written the 8th Senate on 14th July 2015 for confirmation. Whilst the correspondence was read on the floor of the Senate on 28th July 2015, consideration and confirmation of the appointments was carried out at the Committee of the Whole on 4th August 2015,” he said.

According to him, before this administration, confirmation of Service Chiefs were not sought and obtained from the National Assembly in consonance with the provisions of Section 18 (1) of the Armed Forces Act Cap. A.20 LFN.

Citing a case in the Federal High Court between Keyamo Vs. President & Ors, which set aside the Armed Forces Modification Order 2008 (purportedly made under Section 315 [2) of the Constitution) on 1st July 2013 and ruled that the confirmation of the National Assembly must be sought for the appointment of the Service Chiefs; the statement disclosed that the federal government was in compliance with the spirit and letters of both the statute and case law.

The National Assembly will resume plenary on February 9 when it is hoped that the President’s letter will be read for consideration and possible confirmation.