ABUJA – Senate of the Federal Republic yesterday, screened service chiefs whose names were transmitted to it last week by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The screening which was scheduled for last Tuesday failed to hold as the service chiefs were said to have gone for an event.
Those screened were Major-General Abayomi Gabriel Olonishakin as Chief of Defence Staff; Major-General T.Y. Buratai as Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as Chief of Naval Staff and Air Vice Marshal Sadique Abubakar asChief of Air Staff.
After the about five hours screening, Senate President Bukola Saraki based the appointments on merit.
“It is clear that the appointment is based on merit,”, he said, adding, “their appointment as we all see is coming at a very crucial time with a lot of challenges, particularly the insurgents in the North East and some of the other security issues. For example, the issue of oil theft that we talked about when they came before us.
“We hope that during their period of time, they will take up the responsibility required.
We are all keen to restore the image and reputation of the Armed Forces”.
Saraki expressed the hope that the service chiefs would deliver the goods. “I believe that what we are starting today with their confirmation is the beginning of that journey to restore the glory of the Armed Forces of our great country.
“It is very important also as we emphasised to them on the issue of procurement procedure in the Armed Forces. It is an area that they must work hard to root out corruption in this process.
We must leave behind those days where basic equipment and all these issues that we believe should be available for our men and women out there should be made available”, Saraki added.
