Senate confirms service chiefs’ appointment

The Senate on Thursday confirmed the appointments of Service Chiefs, whose names were presented by President Bola Tinubu to the upper house last week.

The service chiefs’ appointment were confirmed following an extensive screening process conducted behind closed doors.

The newly confirmed service chiefs are Christopher Musa as the Chief of Defence Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja as the Chief of Army Staff, Emmanuel Ogalla as the Chief of Naval Staff, and Hassan Abubakar as the Chief of Air Staff.

In a letter addressed to the National Assembly last week, President Tinubu invoked Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act, CAP A20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, in his request for the confirmation of the service chiefs.

Prior to the screening, each of the service chiefs had the opportunity to address their respective careers and reflect on the security challenges that the country has faced. They also outlined their strategies for addressing and mitigating these challenges.

Lagbaja said he would work with other service chiefs in ensuring that the country is secured.

“I have identified some pillars on which my leadership will rest and that include sound leadership. I have identified and will work with my fellow service chiefs and other security agencies,” he said.

On his part, Ogalla, chief of naval staff, said: “I have served in various capacities. I wish to state that if given the opportunity to serve, as the chief of naval staff, I will give my best. I fully understand the challenges facing the navy.”