By Udora Orizu
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, yesterday referred President Muhammadu Buhari’s request for the confirmation of the new Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs to the House Committees on Army, Defence, Air Force and Navy for screening.
Buhari had in a letter dated January 27, 2021, and addressed to Gbajabiamila, said the screening was in compliance with the provisions of Section 18 (1) of the Armed Forces Act Cap A.20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The appointees for confirmation are Maj. Gen. Lucky Eluonye 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, and Service Chiefs.
The president urged the lawmakers to consider and confirm the nominees in the usual expeditious manner.
The Speaker, after reading the letter, directed the Chairmen of the Committees, Hon. Abdulrasak Namdas (Army), Hon. Babajimi Benson (Defence), Hon. Shehu Koko (Air Force) and Hon. Yusuf Gagdi (Navy), to work with their deputies, and at least five members of their committees to carry out the exercise in strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols.
