Reps refuse entry to service chiefs representatives during plenary

The representatives of security chiefs were expelled from the house of representatives on Thursday.

The lower legislative chamber invited the chiefs of the armed forces, including Christopher Musa (chief of defence staff), Taoreed Lagbaja (chief of army staff), Emmanuel Ogalla (chief of naval staff), Hassan Abubakar (chief of air staff), and Kayode Egbetokun (inspector general of police), to brief the lawmakers on the state of security in the nation.

The legislators, however, disapproved of the proxies that the security chiefs dispatched.

The deputy speaker, Ben Kalu, moved to delay the debate due to the chiefs’ absence, arguing that representation was unnecessary for such a high-level meeting.

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“The heads of the security agencies were invited by the house, not for the purpose of conducting an investigation, but rather for discussion and clarification of the matters surrounding that area,” the speaker stated.

Since the parliament is the most important branch of government, it is in the best interests of the agencies to send its top officials.

“They sent gentlemen (representatives) with excellent backgrounds and profiles. They are qualified to talk with us since they have served the country in a variety of positions.

However, the house has not been persuaded that their senior officials, or number one officers, should not come before the parliament in this instance, notwithstanding the provisions of sections 88 and 89 (of the constitution).

“The house has a tradition of expecting chief executives, whether from the public or private sectors, to attend in person. I would like to pray that we uphold this revered custom in our home lest we be forgotten.

The “yes” votes were boisterous when House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas called for a voice vote on the matter, but the room fell silent when he called for “nays.”

The house “does not encourage and accept representation, particularly at this high level engagement,” Abbas continued to tell the service chiefs.

He said, “Please tell your service chiefs about our message.”

The meeting was rescheduled for next Tuesday by the speaker.

The policy brief series for important government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) included the invitation.

The speaker’s plan, dubbed “Sectoral Debates,” aims to enhance constitutional control of the executive branch of government in accordance with the legislative agenda of the 10th assembly.