Senate Charges Nigerian Armed Forces On Sustainable Operations, Assures Of Improved Budgetary Allocation

Senate Charges Nigerian Armed Forces On Sustainable Operations, Assures Of Improved Budgetary Allocation

The Senate Committee on Defence has charged members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), to sustain the current tempo of resilience and doggedness in the various theatres of operations to ensure peace and security of the nation as well as protection of lives and properties of law abiding Nigerians.

The Chairman Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Aliyu Wamakko gave this charge during the maiden oversight visit of members of the Senate Committee on Defence to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Abuja.

Senator Wamakko said the visit was to assess the performance of the Defence Headquarters’ usage of financial resources deployed to it in the 2019 budget for achieving benchmark goals.

He urged the AFN to sustain the tempo of ongoing internal security operations in the Northeast and other parts of the country in order to fast track the restoration of peace and normalcy in these regions.

The Chairman averred that it had become imperative to provide adequate budgetary support for the AFN, considering the enormous recurrent and capital requirements to sustain troops in the various theatres of operation.
He added that a realistic budgetary allocation and appropriation, as well as prompt release and use of funds by the AFN will enable her achieve enduring national security objectives.

Speaking on the issues of human rights and rules of engagement, the Senator urged security personnel and institutions to ensure that they operate in accordance with the rule of law.

According to him “the Legislators will continue to establish an effective framework to ensure democratic accountability for authorities responsible for managing national security.

Senator Wamakko, commended the DHQ for the germane role of coordinating the AFN and ensuring successful deployment of troops in internal security operations, as well as, regional and global peace support missions.

Expressing appreciation to the Legislative Committee, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin noted that the full implementation of budgetary allocation to DHQ will enhance operational and welfare projections for the AFN.

The CDS further disclosed that in line with the policy thrust of due process, accountability and transparency, the DHQ successfully implemented the 2018 budget, while the implementation of the 2019 DHQ budget has substantially progressed.

Gen Olonishakin expressed gratitude to the Commander in Chief of Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari for his unflinching support towards the AFN in the capacity development of its personnel and acquisition of platforms to enable the service effectively execute its constitutional role.