The Senate on Tuesday confirmed the appointment of newly named service chiefs after a closed-door screening that lasted over four hours.
Those confirmed are Major Gen. Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin as the Chief of Defence Staff; Major General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Chief of Army Staff); Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Chief of Naval Staff); and Air Vice Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar (Chief of Air Staff).
The military chiefs were nominated by President Muhammadu Buhari on July 13.
Announcing the confirmation, Senate President Bukola Saraki said the officers were extensively interviewed, after which they were cleared for confirmation. “Having successfully completed the screening and confirmation of the nominees, it is clear that their appointments were based on merit,” Saraki said.
He said the appointments came at a very crucial time, especially at a time the country was still battling with insurgency in the Northeast. Saraki urged them to work hard to ensure the insurgents are dislodged in record time. he also assured them of getting every necessary support from the Senate.