Worsening Security: Senate, NSA, Service Chiefs Meet Behind Closed Doors
The Senate has begun a secret meeting with the nation’s chief of defence, Nuhu Ribadu, and the NSA to discuss the concerning situation of national security.
The Chiefs of Defence Staff, Army Staff, Air Staff, and Naval Staff are all present, including Christopher Musa, Taoreed Lagbaja, Hassan Abubakar, and Emmanuel Ogalla.
In addition, there are Yusuf Magaji Bichi, the Director General of the State Services, Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector General of Police, and Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).
The following ministers are present: Mohammed Badaru, Minister of Defence; Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence; Ibrahim Geidam, Minister of Police Affairs; Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior; and Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed regret that the meeting would start late before the closed-door session began.
The heads of the departments who were present in the Senate prior to our adjournment deserve my gratitude. Akpabio informed them that the only change they should make was to invite the ministers, who are responsible for overseeing the majority of these security agencies’ budgets.
While we can discuss safety, there are many other things that require funding, such as purchasing equipment. We much appreciate your being here as it will provide us with valuable insights into the handling of financing for the security of lives and possessions.
Due to the numerous petitions received from our constituents, the Senate has chosen to hold a session. The Committee of a Whole will be responsible for this as part of our primary oversight role.
The Senate met behind closed doors with the senior government officials after their address.
This meeting will take place on Tuesday, one week after the upper chamber extended an invitation to the security chiefs but had to reschedule it due to the unavailability of the defence chief and the NSA.
Notably missing from the invitation were the chief of defence staff and NSA, in contrast to other service leaders who were present in the Senate chamber. This caused Senator Akpabio to decide to reschedule the gathering.
Ribadu reportedly sent a letter of apologies to the Senate President’s office for his absence. But the absence of army general Mr. Musa was something he was unhappy about.