Reps Infuriated, Postpone Debate Over Absence Of Service Chiefs

The House of Representatives on Thursday, postponed the Sectoral Debate billed to commence today over the failure of Service Chiefs to appear in person for the event.

The debate series is part of initiatives by the Speaker Tajudeen Abbas-led House to improve its constitutional oversight of the executive arm of government, in line with the Legislative Agenda for the 10th Assembly launched on Monday.

Invited to take the floor on Thursday were the service chiefs made up of the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, Chief of Air Staff and the Inspector General of Police.

However, rather than appearing in person, the service chiefs sent representatives; a development that infuriated the lawmakers who arrived at the chambers in the early hours of the day.

Shortly after introducing themselves, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, via a point of order, drew the attention of the lawmakers to the fact that the service chiefs were invited to appear in person and not in proxy.

He subsequently moved a motion, praying the House not to entertain presentations from the representatives of the service chiefs.

Sustaining both the order and the motion, Speaker Abbas sent the guests away and directed the service chiefs to appear before the house on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, for the commencement of the debates.