B’Haram: Service chiefs demand more funds
JUNE 26, 2013
Chief of Defence Staff, Vice Admiral Ola Ibrahim
Service chiefs on Tuesday called for increased funding of the armed forces and other security agencies amid the security challenges in the country.
They had met behind closed doors with members of the House of Representatives, where they reviewed the emergency rule declared in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states by President Goodluck Jonathan 40 days ago.
The service chiefs were led by the Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Sa’ad-Ibrahim.
The PUNCH gathered from sources at the four-hour meeting that funding of security operations was one of the challenges raised by the chiefs.
One of the sources said, “They can do better with additional funding.
“However, so far, they have done a commendable job in the three states.
“There is the issue of the terrorists infiltrating the civilian population.
“They have also found out that foreigners particularly from Niger Republic, are among the sect’s fighters.”
The development came as the House confirmed that it was working with the Senate to place funding of security operations in the country on First Line Charge.
The Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Victor Ogene, told journalists after the meeting that the first line funding was contemplated as part of the ongoing amendment of the 1999 Constitution.
He said after the interaction with the service chiefs, members expressed satisfaction with the implementation of the emergency rule.
Ogene added, “The meeting was to assess the security situation in the three states so far.
“Remember that we said while approving the emergency rule that we would monitor the implementation.
“We praise our men and women of the armed forces.
“We stand by them for working so hard to restore peace and order to the affected states.
“The Senate and the House are working on an amendment (to the constitution) to ensure that funding for security will be on first line charge in the new constitution.”
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