The Senate has convened a high-stakes closed-door meeting with top government officials, including the National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu and the nation’s service chiefs, to address the increasingly alarming state of security across the country.
Among the prominent figures present are the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, the Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Air Staff, Hassan Abubakar, and the Chief of Naval Staff, Emmanuel Ogalla. Also in attendance are key security heads such as the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; the Director General of the State Services, Yusuf Magaji Bichi, and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.
The meeting, which was convened in response to mounting security challenges and concerns raised by various constituents, also includes several ministers, including the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Geidam; Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; and the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his opening remarks, acknowledged the critical role of funding in addressing security issues and thanked the ministers for their presence, emphasizing the need for financial resources to procure equipment and enhance security operations. He highlighted the Senate’s decision to convene the session in response to petitions and as part of its oversight function, particularly through the Committee of the Whole.
Notably, the meeting was postponed from the previous week due to the absence of the defence chief and the NSA, despite the presence of other service chiefs. Senator Akpabio expressed displeasure at the absence of Mr. Musa, emphasizing the importance of the attendance of all key officials in addressing the pressing security concerns facing the nation.
Following the address by the Senate President, the Senate proceeded into the closed-door session with the assembled officials, underscoring the urgency and seriousness with which the government is approaching the security situation.
The outcome of this pivotal meeting is eagerly awaited by the public and stakeholders alike, as it holds the potential to shape future security strategies and responses to the challenges confronting Nigeria.
