SENATE CONFIRMS NEW SERVICE CHIEFS

The Senate yesterday confirmed the four Service chiefs. They are: Maj-Gen. Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin (Chief of Defence Staff), Maj-Gen. 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 screened in a closed session with the lawmakers for over four hours. They were appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari on July 13.
Senate President Bukola Saraki said the officers answered questions on varied 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 Northeast.
Dr. Saraki urged them to work hard to ensure that insurgents are routed in record time, assuring that the Senate would always give the Armed Forces every necessary support.
Saraki challenged them to restore the battered image and prestige of the military and also to tackle corruption in the procurement process