Service Chiefs and IGP Engage in Closed-Door Security Sector Debate

Today, the nation’s security took center stage as the service chiefs and the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, engaged in a sectoral debate with members of the House of Representatives.

The closed-door meeting, which commenced at 11:26 a.m., featured top military figures, including the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, and Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.

This crucial gathering followed last Thursday’s criticism of the security heads by lawmakers who expressed dissatisfaction with the initial representation made by the officials.

In response to concerns raised during the executive session, the service chiefs and IGP outlined the ongoing efforts to tackle the nation’s security challenges.

Vice Admiral Ogalla specifically appealed to the National Assembly for intervention in bolstering surveillance in coastal areas, backwaters, and creeks.

He emphasised that enhanced monitoring of these regions could effectively combat issues such as oil theft, pipeline vandalisation, and illegal refining on a 24-hour basis.

The backdrop for this meeting was set by the House of Representatives’ displeasure over the absence of the service chiefs and the IGP during an interactive session last week.

The security heads had sent representatives, a move that drew criticism from lawmakers.

The preceding week had seen the House scheduling a sectoral debate involving the security chiefs, part of a broader plan to engage with leaders from various sectors.

However, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, rejected the initial representation by the security heads, citing a constitutional point of order.

Consequently, the House rescheduled the session for today, insisting that the service chiefs must personally participate in the debate.

Source: Vanguard Newspaper