By Kassim Omomia
Nominated top military officers for the positions of Chief of Defence Staff, Army, Navy and Airforce Chiefs in the persons of Major-General Lucky E.O Irabor, Major-General Ibrahim Attahiru, Rear Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo and Air Vice Marshal Ishiaka Oladayo Amao, respectively, have unanimously pointed to advancing national security by wiping out all manner of criminality, insurgency banditry, in the country as their main focus, if their nominations are confirmed by the National Assembly.
They spoke at a screening exercise conducted by the House of Representatives special panel chaired by the Honorable Babajimi Benson, who also doubled as Chairman House committee on defence,
The Military Chiefs who also indicated their resolve to better the various services, while delivering on the expectations of Nigerians to have a new lease of life, where they will henceforth sleep with their two eyes closed, however, pledged to submit themselves and the military to constituted authority.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Defence Staff -designate, Major-General Lucky E.O Irabor, told the panel that if confirmed, he would foster a united armed force that engenders peace and bring purposeful leadership aimed at professionalism, result oriented and an armed force that will be loyal to constituted authority.
In the same vein, the Army Chief nominee, Major General Attahiru Ibrahim, reeled out a “Command Philosophy initiative’, where everybody, including the civil populace will be carried along.
According to the General, he would build an ever- ready -army, well trained with better welfare, full loyalty, and service to father land.
As 21st indigenous Naval Chief, Rear Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, noted that their appointment was coming at a critical time Nigeria is facing insecurity, and assured that they will discharge their national mandate to the best of their abilities, while also designing a first-class Navy that will focus on training.
“My vision is to ensure and maintain absolute control of Nigerian air”, the Chief of Air staff, Air Vice Marshal Ishiaka Oladayo Amao, said at the panel.
He stated that he would pursue national security, engage in optimal dev, training, and manpower development of the Airforce, in addition to maintaining a disciplined workforce, and as well boost morale and welfare of officers and men.
Meanwhile, chairman of the screening panel, Honorable Babajimi Benson, had referred to the provisions of Chapter Two of our Constitution which affirms that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government, assuring that the House of Representatives intends to ensure that the government lives up to the noble creed.
He stated that exercise was to further remind the military of the supremacy of civil authority over the military in a constitutional democracy, adding however, that parliament will provide them with all the support they will need to succeed.
The Nominees were grilled on questions covering a wide range of subjects, which includes: Their Professional skill and experience, Nigeria’s war on terror and insurgency and insecurity in general. Other are, Funding of the military, Strategic security knowledge and vision of the Nominees, as well as Welfare of military personnel.
Meanwhile, the committee is expected to submit its report and recommendations to Plenary next week.
Recall that in a letter sent to the House of Representatives by President Muhhammadu Buhari, had requested for speedy confirmation of the nominees, in accordance with the provisions of Section 18 (1) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20 Law of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
