ABSENCE OF SERVICE CHIEFS STALLS SECTORAL DEBATE AT NATIONAL ASSEMBLY 16-11-23
By Sadiq Aminu The absence of Service Chiefs has stalled the commencement of Sectoral debate during plenary on the floor of the house of Representatives.
The session was initiated by the 10th house to improve its constitutional oversight of the executive arm of government in line with its legislative agenda, which is being finalized.
It was also to provide the lawmakers the opportunity to ask invited government officials questions on areas requiring legislative interventions.
The Service Chiefs however, which includes the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval staff, Chief of Defense staff, the Chief of Air as well as the Inspector General of Police, all sent Representatives.
The Deputy Speaker of the House Benjamin Kalu, who raised a point of order to that effect, moved a motion for the house to demand for the appearance of the Service Chiefs in person.
“Section 88 and 89 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria empowers the house to invite anybody in person.
“The House has extended invitation to the heads of the security agencies, not for the purpose of investigation but for dialogue and establishment of the things surrounding the sector. It behoves the agencies to send their number one officers.
Ruling on the motion, the Speaker Dr Tajudeen Abbas, set Tuesday 21st of November as the new date for the Service Chiefs to appear in person.
The Chairmen of the various committees of the house on security agencies also concurred with the ruling.