President Muhammadu Buhari has written a letter to the National Assembly, seeking confirmation of the service chiefs.
Senior special assistant to the president on National Assembly (Senate) Babajide Omoworare said in a statement on Friday that the letter was dated January 27, a day after nominating the service chiefs.
Mr Omoworare said, “President Muhammadu Buhari has communicated the appointment of the service chiefs to the National Assembly and has sought for the confirmation of the said appointment by the Senate through his letter to the Senate President dated January 27, 2021. This was done in furtherance of Section 18 (1) of the Armed Forces Act Cap. A.20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.
“Contrary to fears expressed in some quarters that President Muhammadu Buhari has bypassed the National Assembly in the process of 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, vide his aforementioned letter.”
He said it is on record that this same procedure was adopted when the immediate past service chiefs were appointed.
The presidential aide noted that upon announcement of the appointment of the immediate past service chiefs, the president had written the eighth Senate on July 14, 2015, for confirmation.
Omoworare said the president’s letter will most likely receive attention when the National Assembly reconvenes on February 9.
