The Senate’s planned interface with Security Chiefs was hampered on Wednesday due to the notable absence of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa. Consequently, the Senate has taken decisive action by summoning key officials to address rising insecurity in the country.
The summoned individuals include the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, and Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Initially, the Senate had called for a briefing from the Service Chiefs, which included Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Magaji Bichi.
However, after admitting the Service Chiefs, Inspector General of Police, and DG DSS into the Chamber on Wednesday, the Senate made a sudden U-turn and postponed the session.
Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, announced the postponement, citing the need for the Ministers of Defence, DG NIA, and the Minister of Interior to be present during the session with the Service Chiefs.
The Senate discharged the Service Chiefs without receiving any briefing from them and directed them to reappear on Tuesday next week.
This revised session aims to include the presence of the invited Ministers and other security hierarchy, ensuring a comprehensive discussion on the deteriorating security situation in the country.