The Senate on Tuesday confirmed the appointment of Major General Abayomi Olonisakin as Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Tukur Buratai as Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admiral Ibok Ibas as Chief of Naval Staff and Air Vice Marshal Sadique Abubakar as Chief of Air Staff.
The service chiefs’ appointment was confirmed after the nominees were grilled for almost four hours at the closed door session by the Senate committee of the whole. Senate leader Senator Ali Ndume in motion asked the Senate to resolve into a committee of the whole and a closed door session to consider and approve the request of President Mohammadu Buhari for the confirmation of the service chiefs.
Reporting the progress of the closed door session, Senate President Senator Bukola Saraki said the nominees answered questions from the Senators. When he put the confirmation of the service chiefs into voting, it was unanimously approved by the Senators.
The Senate President congratulated the service chiefs on the confirmation of their appointment. He said the appointment was base on merit. “It is clear that the appointment is based on merit. Their confirmation is the beginning of the reformation in the Arm Forces” Saraki said.
He added that the Senate looks forward to give the service chiefs the necessary supports especially in the area of fight against terrorism and oil theft in the country.
