Olayiwola Matthew
The Senate on Wednesday confirmed General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff, following a screening exercise at the National Assembly complex in Abuja.
Oluyede, who was accompanied by other newly appointed service chiefs, arrived at the complex around 10 a.m. amid tight security.
Oluyede was confirmed barely an hour after he and other nominees arrived at the complex.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio welcomed the nominees, describing the screening as a constitutional duty aimed at ensuring that only the most competent and patriotic officers are entrusted with safeguarding the nation.
Akpabio said, “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. 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 exercise was part of the Senate’s oversight responsibility to guarantee discipline and professionalism within the armed forces, adding that the chamber looked forward to a constructive interaction that would strengthen Nigeria’s security system.
Akpabio 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.”
The nominees are being screened by the Committee of the Whole, chaired by Akpabio, before formal confirmation. President Tinubu had urged the Senate to give “expeditious consideration” to the nominations, listing the nominees as 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 appointments are part of the administration’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture and improve coordination among the military and intelligence agencies.