8th Senate and screening integrity

When on August 4, 2015, the military service chiefs nominated by President Muhammadu Buhari appeared before the Senate for screening and confirmation as required by the Armed Forces Act, many took the exercise as a mere formality, just to fulfill the requirement. The indifference by Nigerians was not without a reason, as the past screening […]

When on August 4, 2015, the military service chiefs nominated by President Muhammadu Buhari appeared before the Senate for screening and confirmation as required by the Armed Forces Act, many took the exercise as a mere formality, just to fulfill the requirement.
The indifference by Nigerians was not without a reason, as the past screening of nominees for executive positions by the upper chamber was perceived to be mostly guided by self and party interest rather than the national interest.
The Senate is supposed to handle the screening by testing the intellectual and physical capacity of the nominees to take up the challenge of the task they would be saddled with by the President.
However, during such exercise, the distinguished senators seems to gloss over key issues that will determine the suitability or otherwise of the nominee for the task ahead.
Such lack of rigorous screening by the senators reflected in the failure of some of the nominees to positively assist their principal when eventually appointed, thus contributing significantly for the failures of past administrations.
President Buhari set the stage for the last screening exercise in a letter read by the Senate President on July 23, 2015 requesting for the confirmation of the service chiefs. Saraki said the letter for confirmation of the appointments was in accordance with the provisions of Section (1) of the Armed Forces Act, 2004.
The President had on July 13 announced the appointment of new service chiefs for the nation’s armed forces. Their predecessors had been summarily relieved of their positions as President Buhari geared to renew the war against the Boko Haram insurgents ravaging the North-East zone.
The list sent to the Senate includes Major Gen. Abayomi Olonishakin, Chief of Defence Staff; Major Gen. Tukur Buratai, Chief of Army Staff; Rear Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas, Chief of Naval Staff and Air Vice-Marshal Sadique Abubakar as Chief of Air Staff.
Considering the popular endorsement of the nominated service chiefs by Nigerians based on their track records and the majority status of the ruling party, All Progressive Congress (APC) in the senate, the expectation was that the top military brass will as usual have an easy sail with the senators.
However, as promised by the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki that the 8th Senate will strive to change the status quo and be alive to its constitutional responsibility, the Senate on that day, set aside all its agenda to solely take up and grill the nominees in spite of their impressive and intimidating  credentials to ensure that they are equal to the task, and can as well deliver to the expectations and benefits of Nigeria.
Although the screening was conducted behind closed door, the Senate President in his remarks after the more than four hours exercise left no one in doubt about the satisfaction of the Senate about the competence of the officers.
Saraki, who hailed the newly appointed service chiefs, stressed that their appointment came in due time when insurgency had reached its peak. “It is clear that their appointment is based on merit. The appointment as we all see, is coming at a very crucial time with a lot of challenges particularly insurgency in the North-East and some other security issues.
“We hope that during their time, their performance will live up to the responsibility required. We are all keen to restore the image and reputation of the armed forces. I believe that their confirmation is the beginning of their journey to restore the glory of the armed force in our great nation.”
Many Nigerians are hopeful that the new posture of thorough screening adopted by the 8th Senate in subjecting nominees to intense, unbiased and impartial scrutiny will be re-enacted during the screening of Ministers next month when President Buhari is expected to send in his list of Ministerial nominees. This mode will restore the confidence of Nigerians on the process that will ensure the emergence of competent and capable ministers that will assist the new government to actualize its change agenda.
Isa is Special Assistant to the Senate President on Public Affairs.