The Senate, on Tuesday, confirmed the appointment of General Abayomi Olonisakin (retd.) (Ekiti); Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.) (Borno) and other former service chiefs as non-career ambassadors-designate
Also confirmed were Vice Admiral Ibok- Ette Ibas (retd.) (Cross River; Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar(retd.) (Bauchi); and Air Vice Marshal Muhammad S. Usman (retd.) (Kano).
They were confirmed despite resistance put up by the Minority Leader, Senator Eyinnnaya Abaribe, who argued that the same red chambers had earlier recommended their sack over widespread insecurity.
Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan who countered the Minority Leader said the service chief’s nomination as non-career ambassador can’t be nullified because of the Senate’s resolution on their removal as Service Chiefs.
According to him, the confirmation followed the consideration of the report of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, led by Senator Mohammed Bulkachuwa.
President Muhammadu Buhari had, in a letter dated February 4, written to the National Assembly, seeking confirmation of the ex-service chiefs.
Reacting to the controversies generated by Buhari’s action, Presidency said the ex-service chiefs were nominated as a reward for their hard work and sacrifice.
