TheCable

Bashir Magashi, minister of defence, says the newly-appointed service chiefs will deliver on the expectations of Nigerians concerning the security challenges facing the country.

Magashi stated this on Wednesday during the screening of the service chiefs by the house of representatives ad-hoc committee on defence.

The defence minister noted that the military is aware of its constitutional responsibility, adding that the present administration will not relent in its efforts to ensure peace and security in the country.

“We are aware of the constitutional provision that all nominations of service chiefs be screened by the national assembly,” he said.

“I assure you that the Nigerian military is fully aware of our constitutional role, and I have no doubt that the nominees will make this country proud.

“I assure you that we promise to deliver on the necessary expectations of Nigerians.”

On January 26, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed new service chiefs and later forwarded their names to the senate for confirmation.

Those who were screened by the committee on Wednesday are Lucky Irabor, chief of defence staff; Ibrahim Attahiru, chief of army staff; Awwal Gambo, chief of naval staff, and Isiaka Amao, chief of air staff.

Speaking at the screening, Babajinmi Benson, chairman of the committee, noted that the military is not supreme to civil authority, hence the need to carry out the screening.

Benson said Nigerians expect great efforts from the military to put an end to the security challenges in the country.