The Challenge of Insecurity: Security chiefs give updates
Yesterday in Abuja, Security chiefs, at the defence headquarters, gave updates on the security situation in the country.
Senate Holds Closed-Door Meeting with Service Chiefs and Ministers on National Security
In response to the escalating state of insecurity across the nation, the Senate convened another closed-door executive session on Tuesday to receive a detailed security briefing from top military officials and federal ministers. The decision to transition into the executive session was prompted by a motion by Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, who sought to temporarily suspend regular proceedings to allow for the admission of invited guests. The guests granted access to the session comprised the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, along with the Ministers of Defence, Police Affairs, Interior, and Finance. Additionally, all Service Chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, and Directors-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) were present. Senate President, Godswill Akpiabio, in his opening remarks, underscored the significance of involving ministers responsible for overseeing the financial allocations to security agencies. Akpabio emphasized the pivotal role of adequate funding in facilitating the procurement of essential equipment necessary for combating security threats. Of notable presence was the Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, whose insights were sought on avenues for financing critical security initiatives aimed at safeguarding lives and properties. Akpiabio reiterated that the invitation extended to the ministers and security chiefs was a response to numerous petitions received from constituents, demonstrating the Senate’s commitment to addressing the concerns of citizens. The interactive security briefing was framed within the context of the Senate’s oversight mandate, providing an opportunity for direct engagement with key stakeholders to assess the current security landscape and explore legislative interventions. Senators seized the opportunity to raise pertinent security-related queries and collaborated with relevant agencies to devise effective strategies for mitigating the nation’s security challenges.
Sectorial Debate: Reps Reject Service Chiefs, IGP’s Representatives
*Insist On Personal Appearance The House of Representatives has moved the Sectoral debate scheduled for Thursday (today) due to the absence of the Service Chiefs who were expected to attend in person. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla; and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, were invited to the session as part of the House’s Sectorial Debates, as per Order 17, Rules 1(3) of the Standing Orders. However, the Service Chiefs and the IGP failed to attend and instead sent representatives, who were denied participation by the House, insisting on the Chiefs’ personal presence. Despite the attempt by the representatives to introduce themselves, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu emphasized the importance of the Chiefs attending in person, stating, “Chief Executives, be it private sector or public sector, they must come in person. I want to pray that we don’t break this sacred tradition of our House lest we be taken for granted.” Following this, a motion to suspend the sectoral engagement until the leaders’ direct appearance was proposed by the Deputy Speaker and seconded by another member, which was ultimately adopted by the House. Speaker Abbas Tajuddeen conveyed the House’s stance, emphasizing the necessity for the Chiefs to be present, extending the engagement to the following Tuesday to accommodate their attendance. The House expressed appreciation for the representatives’ presence but maintained the firm requirement for the Service Chiefs’ personal appearance in the forthcoming session.
War On Terror: CDS, Service Chiefs Visit Maiduguri
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa accompanied by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye, on Tuesday paid an operational visit to the Theatre Command in Maiduguri. They were received by Maj. Gen. Gold Chibuisi, Theartre Commander North East Operation Hadin Kai, Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Ali, Force Commander Multi National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division /Commander Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI Maj. Gen. Peter Malla, heads of paramilitary and other principal staff officers of the Military Command and Control Centre at Airforce Base Maiduguri. Speaking during the visit, Maj. Samson Zhakom, Acting DDAPR Headquarters Theatre Command OPHK, said the CDS would be holding meetings with the Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Chiefs of Training and Operations from the Defence Headquarters, Army, Navy, Air Force and other field commanders, where they would be briefed on recent operations in the theatre. Zhakom said that the CDS would also pay courtesy visits to the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Elkenemy and visit Military Reference Hospital in Maimalari to check wounded personnel.