Africa Press-Nigeria:
The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday called on Service Chiefs to “step aside”.
On Wednesday, a source close to the federal government claimed that the Senate resolution was reached at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
On Friday July 17, President Muhammadu Buhari had a parley with Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, and House Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila.
The source asserted that the meeting agreed that the legislature should demand the ouster of the Service Chiefs.
He said: “The lawmakers are providing cover for Mr. President to execute his plan to replace the top military hierarchy. Their removal was sealed at the meeting.
“You asked why Mr. President has not fired them already? This has been long delayed for reasons best known to him; he now has the rationale.
“Also remember, after that meeting, he warned ministers and heads of agencies to respect the National Assembly.
“That comment was not just about their attitude, disregard for lawmakers’ invitation/summons or ongoing investigative hearings.
“All of these fit into a bigger political play. NASS is being used to provide cover for Mr. President to do what he wants to.”
The military chiefs, appointed by Buhari in 2015, clocked 5 years in office on July 13.
Arguably, their tenure is the longest enjoyed by security heads since Nigeria became an independent country.
They are Gen. Abayomi Olonishakin – Chief of Defence Staff; Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai – Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas – Chief of Naval Staff, and Air Vice Marshal Sadique Abubakar – Chief of Air Staff.
But despite the spate of insecurity, Buhari has refused to fire them.
Nigerians and groups have been protesting even in the face of Police harassment and intimidation.
This has not deterred them from condemning the president for retaining the quartet.
They say Buhari, a retired General, only issues occasional directives that are yet to change the situation.
