The Senate, on Wednesday, confirmed General Olufemi Oluyede as the Chief of Defence Staff while commencing the screening of the newly appointed service chiefs at the National Assembly complex in Abuja.
Oluyede’s confirmation came barely an hour after he and other nominees arrived at the complex under tight security.
Welcoming the nominees, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the exercise was a constitutional responsibility designed to ensure that only qualified and patriotic officers are entrusted with protecting the nation.
Akpabio stated, “Distinguished colleagues, it is with great pleasure that I welcome our newly appointed Service Chiefs to the hallowed chamber of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. On behalf of the entire Senate, I congratulate you on your well-deserved appointments and commend you for the years of dedicated service you have rendered to our great nation.”
He further explained that the screening was part of the Senate’s oversight duty to uphold discipline and professionalism within the armed forces, adding that the legislature looked forward to a robust interaction that would enhance the country’s security system.
The Senate President added, “Today’s exercise is in keeping with our constitutional duty to provide oversight and ensure that only the most competent, patriotic, and disciplined officers are entrusted with the task of safeguarding our national security and territorial integrity.”
Oluyede led the delegation that arrived at the National Assembly around 10 a.m., accompanied by other senior military nominees. The Senate Committee of the Whole, chaired by Akpabio, conducted the screening before formal confirmation.
The session followed President Bola Tinubu’s letter to the Senate on Tuesday, requesting “expeditious consideration” for the nominees.
The nominees include General Olufemi Oluyede (Chief of Defence Staff), Major General Waheedi Shaibu (Chief of Army Staff), Rear Admiral Idi Abbas (Chief of Naval Staff), Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke (Chief of Air Staff), and Major General Emmanuel Undiendeye (Chief of Defence Intelligence).
The screening came a week after President Tinubu met with the new service chiefs at the Presidential Villa in his first official engagement with the restructured military leadership.
According to the Presidency, the appointments are part of ongoing efforts to reinforce the national security framework and enhance coordination among the military and intelligence agencies.
Tinubu also commended the outgoing service chiefs for their “patriotic service and leadership” and urged their successors to justify his confidence by maintaining professionalism, unity, and vigilance within the armed forces.
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