President Bola Tinubu has officially submitted the list of his four nominees for the position of Service Chiefs to the Senate, seeking their confirmation.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday at the plenary read President Tinubu’s letter regarding the appointment and confirmation of the Service Chiefs on the Senate floor.
The nominated names put forward for consideration are as follows: Major General Christopher G. Musa for the position of Chief of Defence Staff; Major General Tajudeen A. Lagbaja for Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral Emmanuel A. Ogalla as Chief of Naval Staff; and Air Vice Marshal Hassan B. Abubakar for Chief of Air Staff.
“In compliance with the provisions of section 18 subsection 1 of the Armed Forces Act, 2004, I am pleased to present for confirmation by the Senate the following nominees listed below as Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the letter stated. “Chief of Defence Staff, Maj. Gen. C.G Musa, Chief of Army Staff, Maj. T. A Lagbaja, Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Air Staff, AVM H.B Abubakar.”
It added, “The Senate is invited to note the current security situation of our country, which requires concerted efforts of both the legislative and executive to ensure a well-protected nation.”
The letter explained that this “informed the review of our defence architecture and the appointment of new leaders to work in synergy with one another to archive the level of optimal performance” expected of the military.
Mr Tinubu noted that while “I hope that the request will receive the expeditious consideration and confirmation of the Nigerian Senate, please accept, distinguished Senate President and distinguished senators, the assurances of my highest consideration.”
Recall Tinubu had relieved the former service chiefs of their duties on June 19 and subsequently appointed the new nominees.
The President had engaged in private discussions with the new appointees, as their confirmation by the Senate was still pending at the time.