Service chiefs appear before House panel

Restate commitment to national security

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From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja

The newly appointed service chiefs, led by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, on Wednesday appeared before a special panel of the House of Representatives, set up to screen them.

Oluyede, while addressing the panel, which consists of Chairman House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson, as well as his counterparts in the committees on Army, Navy and Air Force, and their deputies, promised to prioritise the welfare of officers and men of the armed forces.

The CDS said he would collaborate with the National Assembly and other stakeholders to ensure the security of the country.

According to him, “the security environment we find ourselves in requires the united effort on the part of every Nigerian, strong bilateral and multilateral alliances between our country and our neighbours, as well as deep cooperation and fairness by all services.”

“I repeat, I have every plan to improve the welfare and well-being of members of armed forces of Nigeria and their families.”

Similarly, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Maj Gen Waidi Shuaibu, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sunday K Aneke, also promised to work towards the enhancement of their respective services for improved performance.

Benson, who chaired the screening exercise, in a brief speech before the lawmakers went into a closed-door session with the service chiefs, said Nigerians expect results from them.

According to him, “Our country today faces evolving threats, from terrorism and banditry to emerging forms of cyber and maritime insecurity. Nigerians expect results, and we in the House of Representatives share that expectation.

“Therefore, this screening exercise offers an opportunity to interact candidly with the nominees, ascertain their understanding of the current security landscape, and hear their strategic plans for restoring peace and stability across the Federation.”