The Nigerian Senate has confirmed the immediate past service chiefs as non-career ambassadors, ignoring two petitions against the nominees and the complains by some senators.
Those confirmed are the former Chief of Defence Staff, Gabriel Olonisakin; former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai; former Chief of Air Staff, Ibok Ibas; and former Chief of Naval Staff, Abubakar Sadique.
The confirmation comes barely five days after they were screened by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and three weeks after they were nominated by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The confirmation was sequel to the adoption of the report of the committee which was presented by the chairman, Muhammed Bulkachuwa.
The confirmation
In his presentation, Mr Bulkachuwa said the nominees were asked questions regarding their previous services and their recent nomination.
The nomination, he said, is in line with Section 171(40) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He further said the committee received two petitions against the appointment and confirmation of the nominees but the petitions were dismissed by the committee. He, however, did not explain why the petitions were dismissed or whether the petitioners were invited to explain their stance.
The police report received showed that the nominees have been cleared by the DSS. They presented their slip from the Code of Conduct Bureau and possess the requisite skills for the position.
“Their experience as service chiefs makes them eminently capable for the position and they were knowledgeable and articulate in their response to questions posed by members of the panel,” he continued.
