Senate In Emergency Closed Session Over Armed Forces Bill

The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan has been forced to call for a closed-door session following the tension that followed his ruling in the bill that seeks to create the Armed Forces Service Commission.

Naija News gathered that the bill which was sponsored by the Minority Leader in the Senate, Enyinnaya Abaribe, seeks among others the appointment of service chiefs in line with federal character based on the recommendations of members of the commission.

Nine senators spoke in favour of the bill while six were against it during a debate that followed Abaribe’s presentation.

Those who supported the proposed law are the Leader of the Senate, Abdullahi Yahaya; the Deputy Minority leader, Emmanuel Bwacha Opeyemi Bamidele; Istifanus Gyang, Chukwuka Utazi; and James Manager.

The senators who wanted the bill killed immediately were Francis Alimikhena, Ibrahim Oloriegbe, Adamu Aliero, Adamu Abdullahi, Mohammed Bulkachuwa and Danjuma Goje.

Lawan after the submission called for a voice vote and he ruled in favour of those who opposed the bill in what appeared to be a controversial decision.

Abaribe raised a point of order to challenge Lawan’s ruling and he called for a division whereby each senator would vote individually.

Lawan opposed Abaribe and his action led to an uproar which made him call for an emergency closed session.