Senate presents draft legislative agenda for the NA to COAS

By Linus Aleke, Abuja

The Senate has presented the draft legislative agenda for the Nigerian Army to the High Command of the Service in Abuja.

The Chairman Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, made the presentation to Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja when led members of the Committee on a familiarization visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

Sen. Yar’Adua said the draft legislative agenda will give priority to the quest for the NA to acquire requisite enablers to enhance its operational efficiency.

Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement, said the committee also assured the Nigerian Army (NA) of total support in surmounting security challenges plaguing the country.

Senator Yar’Adua appreciated the efforts of the Nigerian Army in diligently performing its statutory roles as mandated by the constitution.

The Senator advocated for cooperation between the legislative body and the Nigerian Army to perform its legislative oversight functions in bringing about legislative reforms that will enhance NA’s efforts in effectively actualizing its constitutional responsibilities of defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria and guaranteeing security in the country.

The legislators, who were briefed on the operational and administrative activities of the NA, admitted that the Nigerian Army is confronted with daunting security challenges and pledged to provide necessary support in ensuring that troops’ welfare is catered for adequately.

He added, that this will motivate the troops to perform optimally.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, appreciated the committee for their critical role in promoting the effective functioning of the NA.

The COAS stated that the NA appreciates the importance of the oversight function of the legislature, pointing out, that this has guided the NA, as it strives to execute its constitutional roles.

The Army Chief averred that the NA being the representative of the people from various constituencies across the country, cherishes the feedback from the Senate, which has helped in redefining the ongoing operations of the NA.

General Lagbaja expressed gratitude to the lawmakers for the support the NA has so far received, since the inauguration of the National Assembly.