Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Deputy Senate President Clash Over Presidential Power to Appoint Service Chiefs [VIDEO]

Senator Orji Kalu and Barau Jibrin clash over presidential powers in appointing service chiefs and military hierarchy reforms.

A heated debate has emerged in the Nigerian Senate over the criteria for appointing service chiefs, as Senator Orji Uzor Kalu called for an amendment to the existing law. Kalu argued that the President’s selection process should prioritize the most senior military officers, insisting that appointments below certain ranks lead to the premature retirement of highly qualified generals.

According to the former Abia State governor, the current practice disrupts the military’s hierarchy and wastes years of experience. He emphasized that allowing the President to appoint service chiefs from lower ranks undermines morale and institutional stability within the armed forces.

However, Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin disagreed with Kalu’s proposal, maintaining that the Constitution grants the Commander-in-Chief (CinC) the discretion to appoint service chiefs based on national security needs. Barau argued that the President must have the flexibility to select capable officers who can address the nation’s evolving security challenges, regardless of rank.

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The debate highlights a recurring tension between merit-based promotion and executive discretion in Nigeria’s security management, as lawmakers seek a balance between military order and presidential authority.