From Kenneth Udeh, Abuja
Two bills sponsored by the Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, to provide for fixed tenure for service chiefs and increase in the number of Court of Appeal justices has passed first hurdle.
The first readings were taken during the final week of plenary before the National Assembly proceeded for the Muslim festive holiday.
The bills are entitled: “A bill for an act to amend the Armed Forces Act Chapter A20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 in other to improve professionalism by providing for fixed tenure of service chiefs and other related matters thereto, Bill 2022 (S.B.1014).” And “A Bill for an Act to amend the Court of Appeal Act to prescribed the number of justices of the Court of Appeal, increasing the number to ensure speedy administration of justice pursuant to constitutional provision of Section 217 and 237 (2) (b) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as Amended (S.B. 1024).”
The explanatory memorandum of the Armed Forces Amendment Act bill revealed that the bill sought to enhance professionalism in the armed forces by deleting and replacing the provisions in sections: 7.(1); 18 (1);18. (2) and 18(3).
The bill, among others, when passed into law would make the appointment of the chief of defence staff by the president subject to the National Assembly, and such a person shall be the most senior officer based on rank in the armed forces and shall be saddled with the day-to-day command and general superintendence of the armed forces.
The Court of Appeal amendment bill on its part, among others, aims to increase the number of its justices from 40 one to 100, and according to Kalu to accelerate the dispensation of justice.
Shortly after the abridged titles of the bills were read before members of the Senate by Deputy Leader, Ajayi Boroffice, a voice vote called by the President, Ahmad Lawan, voted in its favour after which it was referred for second reading.