Senate Postpones Meeting with Security Chiefs Due to Absence of Key Officials

By Iyojo Ameh

The eagerly anticipated security meeting between the Senate and top security chiefs to discuss the security challenges facing the nation hit a roadblock today as essential figures failed to attend, leading to the event’s postponement.

Notably absent were National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu and Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, prompting the Senate to reschedule the critical gathering aimed at addressing the nation’s security challenges.

The Senate’s resolution last week mandated the summoning of service chiefs and heads of security agencies to provide insights and potential solutions.

Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, Chair of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and other Financial Institutions, had initially announced the two-day summit for Wednesday and Thursday.

However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio revealed during today’s plenary session that the absence of Ribadu and General Musa necessitated the postponement, stressing their indispensable roles in the discussions. While Ribadu extended an apology, the Senate emphasized the imperative of their presence for constructive deliberations.

In response to the setback, the Senate rescheduled the summit for next Tuesday, extending invitations to additional stakeholders in the security sector. Among those summoned are Minister of Defence Abubakar Badaru, Minister of Police Affairs Senator Ibrahim Geidam, and Director General of the National Intelligence Agency Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, among others.

Expressing gratitude to attendees who honored the Senate’s invitation, including Chief of Army Staff Lt-General Taoheed Lagbaja and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Akpabio underscored the need for collaborative efforts in addressing the nation’s security challenges. The Senate reiterated its commitment to inclusive dialogue and collective action to devise holistic solutions to the prevailing security crisis.