By Ohuakanwa Chibuzo
Senator Tokunbo Abiru, representing the Lagos East Senatorial District in the 9th Nigerian National Assembly, revealed to journalists on Tuesday the Senate’s plans to question the Service Chiefs regarding the nation’s deteriorating security situation. The session is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.
The decision to summon the Service Chiefs follows a surge in killings and kidnappings across the country, causing widespread fear and concern among citizens. The Senate, recognizing the gravity of the security challenges, seeks explanations from the military leadership on their efforts to address the escalating insecurity.
Senator Abiru also informed reporters about the rescheduling of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and Other Financial Institutions meeting, originally planned for Tuesday, now moved to Friday of the same week.
The committee had convened on Tuesday afternoon in Room 211, anticipating an interface with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Olayemi Cardoso. However, due to the Service Chiefs’ impending appearance before the Senate, the meeting with the CBN governor was postponed.
Chairman of the committee, Senator Abiru, stated, “After waiting for close to two hours for the CBN governor on the planned interface, we have resolved to postpone it to Friday this week by 9 am prompt.”
He elaborated that the decision stemmed from the CBN governor’s ongoing engagement with the House of Representatives, making it uncertain when the session would conclude. The Senate’s commitment to engaging with the Service Chiefs prompted the committee to reschedule the meeting with the CBN governor.
In the earlier plenary session, the Senate held closed-door discussions for two hours. Following the closed session, Senator Ahmad Lawan presented a motion mourning the passing of Senator Bukar Ibrahim, a former governor of Yobe State. The Senate observed a moment of silence in his honor and appointed a delegation to convey condolences to the Governor of Yobe State and the bereaved family.
