During a plenary session, the House of Representatives took a firm stand by turning away representatives of the Service Chiefs, asserting that the chiefs must personally appear before the House on November 21 as summoned.

Following the reception of the chiefs’ representatives in the chamber on Thursday, Speaker Rep. Tajudeen Abbas expressed appreciation for their presence but emphasized the necessity for the Service Chiefs to appear themselves on November 21 at 11 a.m.

The House had initially summoned the Service Chiefs for a debate on the prevailing security challenges in the country. However, the lawmakers noted that the chiefs failed to attend in person, opting to send representatives on their behalf.

Deputy Speaker Rep. Benjamin Kalu, citing constitutional authority, reminded the House that it had the power to invite individuals not only for investigation purposes but also for dialogues. He stressed that the Service Chiefs should have personally presented themselves and not delegated the task to representatives.

“It is unsatisfactory that they are not here in person. I propose that these sectoral engagements be suspended until the Service Chiefs come to address us personally,” Rep. Benjamin Kalu stated. (NAN)