Senate confirms Service Chiefs

The Senate on Tuesday confirmed Major Gen. Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin as the Chief of Defence Staff.

Bukola Saraki

Also confirmed were Major General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Chief of Army Staff); Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Chief of Naval Staff); and Air Vice Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar (Chief of Air Staff).

The military chiefs were grilled in a closed session with the lawmakers for over four hours. They were appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari on July 13.

President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, said the officers answered questions on various issues, after which they were cleared for confirmation.

“Having successfully completed the screening and confirmation of the nominees, it is clear that their appointments were based on merit,” Saraki said.

He added that the appointments came at a very crucial time, especially at a time the country was still battling with insurgency in the Northeast.

The President of the Senate urged them to work hard to ensure the insurgents are routed in record time, assuring that the Senate would always give the Armed Forces every necessary support.

Saraki charged them to restore the battered image and prestige of the Armed Forces and to also tackle corruption in military procurement process.

Senate confirms Service Chiefs