Akpabio slams defence minister for dismissing Senate’s security summit

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has issued a stern warning to Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, over his public criticism of the Senate’s proposed National Security Summit, cautioning that such remarks could trigger a rift between the Executive and Legislature.

Akpabio’s comments followed a report by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who informed the chamber that Badaru had described the summit as “unnecessary.”

“He should get in touch with the Senate President or leaders, not go speaking openly. That may lead to Executive-Legislative brouhaha. We will take it up at the right time,” Akpabio said during Thursday’s plenary.

The Defence Minister had, on Wednesday, argued that while summits might provide useful suggestions, they could not substitute for military strategy and tactical planning.

He maintained that Nigeria’s Armed Forces are better equipped than insurgent groups and that the solution to insecurity lies in improved operational execution, not more conferences.