By Abiola Olawale
Lawmakers of the Nigerian Senate lost their cool at the plenary on Wednesday, over a bill which seeks to create an Armed Forces Service Commission.
The bill which is titled: “A Bill for an Act to give effect to section 219 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to provide for the establishment of the Armed Forces Service Commission and for other related matters, 2021”, was sponsored by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, the Senate minority leader.
Following the first reading of the bill in March, 2020, Abaribe, presented the bill before the Senate for second hearing, however, the debate turned into a rowdy session as many lawmakers stood against the bill.
The lawmakers were sharply divided over the bill as those against it argued that it will cause more disunity in the country.
Senator Abaribe argued that the proposed bill will address the lopsidedness in the appointment of heads of security agencies in the country. In his debate, Abaribe noted that the constitution mandates the National Assembly to set up the commission.
He also noted that the function and powers of the proposed commission will ensure that the appointments of the Service Chiefs of the Armed Forces is done in accordance to section 217 (3) of the 1999 Constitution.
He also noted that the proposed commission will recommend qualifed members of the Armed Forces for appointment as the Heads of the security agencies in the country.
However, the Senate was divided over the proposed bill as some lawmakers argued that the proposed bill will uphold the principle of federal character which will in turn strengthen the unity of Nigeria, while some lawmakers raised serious objections to the bill.
According to Senator Francis Alimekheba, member of the senate representing Edo North Senatorial District, the bill will create disunity in the operation of the Armed Forces. He argued that the proposed commission cannot take the function of the service chiefs while the Armed Forces will be caged.
Similarly, Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe, member of the Senate representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, stated that the bureaucratic set up of the proposed commission will not allow the Armed Forces perform its duties and functions.
Following the debate which lasted for about about an hour, the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, put the bill to vote. With a resounding response, the Senate President ruled in favour of those that spoke against the bill, declaring that the bill has failed.
However, Abaribe was dissatisfied with the Senate rule and called for a physical voting, invoking Order 73 of the Senate standing rule to back his demand.
In a bid to introduce normalcy, Lawan called for an executive session. The Senate then went into a closed-door session.
After the closed-door session, which lasted for about 25 minutes, Lawan said the entire Senate has appealed Abaribe to withdraw Order 73 which called for a division.
In his words: “We have agreed that the Senate will work together in a nonpartisan manner and we have appealed to the Minority leader to withdraw the Order 73. We have also appealed that he should withdraw the bill…”
Senator Abaribe then withdrew the bill to re-present it another day after due consultation.
