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The Presidency has reacted to the resolution of the Nigeria Senate demanding the resignation of the Service Chiefs or be sacked by President Muhammadu Buhari, “due to the multi-pronged security challenges in the country”.
MERIDIAN SPY reported earlier the Red Chamber made the resolution following the motion sponsored by Senator representing Borno south and chairman of the committee on army, Senator Ali Ndume at Tuesday’s plenary session.
Gabriel Olonisakin, chief of defence staff; Tukur Buratai, chief of army staff; Sadique Abubakar, chief of air staff; and Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, chief of naval staff; are all due for retirement.
Despite calls for the resignation of the listed service chiefs, the President has refused to yield to the demand.
Ndume, while moving the motion, expressed worry that over 200 soldiers have resigned from the army and that this could affect the fight against insurgency.
“The senate notes with concern the number of casualties among the Nigerian army and other security agencies,” he said.
“That just recently 24 soldiers were ambushed and killed along Maiduguri-Damboa road in Borno state, 19 were wounded and nine were declared missing in action.
“The senate appreciates the sacrifice of our armed forces in the fight against the insurgency and banditry and protection of territorial integrity and several other security assignments given to them.
“The senate is concerned that if the trend continues, it would have serious implications on the fight against insurgency, banditry.”
But responding to the resolution by the Senate, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina said only President Buhari can decide on the removal of the service chiefs.
“The Presidency notes the resolution, and reiterates that appointment or sack of Service Chiefs is a Presidential prerogative, & President Muhammadu Buhari, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, will do what is in the best interest of the country at all times,” said Adesina.
