Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua has visited the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, today to inform the CDS that a second bill seeking to provide alternative and sustainable funding for the Armed Forces of Nigeria has passed its second reading in the Senate and will soon undergo a public hearing.
Director, Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau revealed this in a press statement on Wednesday as the CDS received in audience the Distinguished Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.
The visit according to Brig Gen Gusau was to intimate the CDS on a proposed bill before the National Assembly seeking to introduce early voting for members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, other security agencies, and essential election duty staff.
According to Senator Yar’adua, who is collaborating with civil society organisation Yiaga Africa on the bill, about two million personnel were deployed for the conduct of the last general elections but were unable to exercise their right to vote due to the nature of their assignments.
The bill, he noted, seeks to correct this gap by making provision for early voting ahead of general elections.
The Senator further extended an invitation to the Defence Headquarters to make a formal presentation during the upcoming public hearing on the proposed legislation
Senator Yar’adua equally requested the active participation of the Defence Headquarters in the hearing process.
In his response, the CDS expressed deep appreciation to the Senator for sponsoring two critical bills that directly impact the effectiveness and welfare of the Armed Forces.
General Musa assured the Senator of the full support and cooperation of the Defence Headquarters. He reaffirmed the military’s readiness to participate actively in the public hearings and to provide the necessary input to both bills to ensure their success.
The Defence Headquarters remains committed to all initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s democratic processes and enhancing the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.