In response to the escalating levels of insecurity in the nation, the Senate has rescheduled the highly anticipated security briefing by service chiefs to February 13, 2024.
The decision to adjourn the session was made to allow for the participation of all key stakeholders involved in national security management.
Originally planned for today, the briefing was set to take place in the Senate chamber, where lawmakers were eager to hear from the security chiefs about the worsening security situation. However, recognizing the importance of a comprehensive approach to address the issue, the Senate opted to expand the scope of the briefing, necessitating the rescheduling.
The motion to adjourn the security briefing was proposed by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the leader of the Senate, and seconded by Senator Abba Moro, the minority leader. Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in approving the adjournment, emphasized the need for a holistic deliberation on the matter.
Consequently, the Senate directed the clerk to expand the list of invitees to ensure the presence of all relevant individuals, including the All Service Chiefs, the National Security Adviser, the Finance Minister, the Interior Minister, the Defence Minister, the Minister of State for Defence, and the Minister of Police Affairs.
This decision follows a unanimous resolution passed during an emergency session on January 30, where the Senate summoned the service chiefs to address the alarming state of insecurity in the country.
Among the service chiefs slated to participate in the briefing are General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS); Lieutenant-General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS); Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS); and Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS).