By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
The Senate on Tuesday received a formal request from President Muhammadu Buhari for the confirmation of the newly appointed Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs.
The request which was contained in a letter dated January 27, 2021, was read by the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, during plenary.
The letter reads: “In compliance with the provisions of Section 18 (1) of the Armed Forces Act. Cap A20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, I hereby forward for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of the under listed officers 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.
In a related development, Buhari in a separate request to the Upper Chamber, sought the confirmation of Barrister Victor Chinemerem Muruako as Chairman for the Fiscal Responsibility Commission.
The request was contained in a letter dated January 18, 2021 and also read during plenary by the Senate President.
According to President Buhari, the confirmation request was made in accordance with provision of Section 5(3) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007.
The Senate on Tuesday also received a request from the president to confirm Mr. Aghughu Arhotomhenla Adolphus as Auditor-General of the Federation.
The request was contained in a letter dated January 12, 2021, and read on the floor by Lawan.
According to President Buhari, Adolphus’ appointment was pursuant to section 86(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
In a related development, the president in two separate letters to the Senate dated February 3, 2021, requested the confirmation of Larry Obinna Collins Chukwu as Commissioner representing South-East, at the Nigerian Law Reform Commission.
Buhari in another letter sought the confirmation of Engr. Wakil Bukar as Commissioner representing Bauchi, Borno and Yobe States, at the Federal Civil Service Commission.
According to him, both requests were made in accordance with the provision of Section 2(2) of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission Act; and Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).