By Paul Effiong, Abuja
House of Representatives Committee on Army yesterday met in a closed door with the Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oloyede, over the 2025 budget proposal of the Nigerian Army.
In a short address before calling for an executive session, Chairman of the committee, Aminu Balele said the meeting would avail his committee the opportunity to interface with the army in matters relating to the 2025 budget.
The event, which was not meant to be a closed door session but an opportunity for interaction between members of the committee and the army on issues relating to a summary of its 2025 budget defence, was suddenly interrupted when a member of the panel, Kama Nkemkanma, raised a point of order to make the proceedings an off camera event.
In his welcome remarks, the committee chairman informed that it was for budget defence, even as he also emphasized the importance of review of the Nigerian Army’s performance in the 2024 budget, as well as measures to scrutinise the 2025 budget.
He, however, expressed his committee’s dedication to the welfare and capacity of the armed forces so as to enable them carry out their mandates.
“Let me emphasise that our committee’s responsibility is a far-reaching one. We are, in essence, the frontline defenders of our military’s interests within government.
“Our commitment to this cause is not just professional, it is deeply personal and prosthetic. We often joke among ourselves that we are more military than military.
“Our dedication to the welfare and capability of our armed forces is not measured by the uniforms we wear, but by the unwavering resolve in our hearts and minds.
“As your representatives, we stand ready to aggressively champion your needs, fight for your resources and defend your interests with a fervor that rivals any question of commitment,” he explained.
