The Senate on Wednesday began legislative work at the request of President Muhammadu Buhari, for the confirmation of ex-Service Chiefs as Non-Career Ambassadors.
This is as the Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Philip Aduda, kicked against the exclusion of his constituents from the list.
Coming under Order 43, Aduda lamented the exclusion of his constituency on the appointment request of President Muhammadu Buhari, after being ignored in the last two previous requests to the Senate.
“This gives us some worry that something is wrong with the Principle of Federal Character.
Aduda said even when he recognized that the President has the power to hire and fire, he should as the Governor of the FCT, grant their heart desire, with the nomination of Ex-Service Chiefs, presenting him with yet another opportunity.
The lawmaker made a similar passionate appeal to the Senate, being the equivalent of the State House of Assembly for the FCT, to speak on behalf of the FCT.
Responding, the President of the Senate said he is optimistic that the President will soon look in their direction.
President Buhari had in a letter dated January 26, 2021, asked the Senate to confirm his recently retired Service Chiefs; General Abayomi Olonisakin, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, Air Vice Marshal Sadique Abubakar, and Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Usman.
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The move has continued to provoke public anger, explaining perhaps, why the Senate Minority Leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe, reluctantly seconded the motion, when the matter was considered on Wednesday.
The Senate subsequently, referred the matter to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for further legislative action.
(Editor: Ifeanyi Mark)
