By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Olufemi Oloyede |
ABUJA, Nigeria – In a swift and decisive move, the Nigerian Senate on Wednesday confirmed General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), paving the way for the newly appointed service chiefs to immediately begin tackling the nation's security challenges.
The confirmation proceeding, which took place amidst tight security at the National Assembly complex, saw General Oluyede and other nominees screened and approved in a session that lasted barely an hour.
Welcoming the nominees to the red chamber, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the screening as a critical constitutional duty. He emphasized that the process was designed to ensure that only the most competent and patriotic officers are entrusted with safeguarding Nigeria.
“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,” Akpabio stated. “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 exercise was part of the Senate’s oversight responsibility to guarantee discipline and professionalism within the armed forces.
“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 Senate President added.
The confirmation of General Olufemi Oluyede and the other service chiefs comes a day after President Bola Tinubu formally requested their screening in a letter read on the Senate floor.
The list of nominees referred to the committee of the whole for confirmation includes:
Chief of Defence Staff: General Olufemi Oluyede.
Chief of Army Staff: Major-General Waheedi Shaibu.
Chief of Naval Staff: Rear Admiral Idi Abbas.
Chief of Air Staff: Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke.
In a clear signal of urgency, the Senate rescheduled the screening from its initial plan to hold it next week to Wednesday. Senate President Akpabio explained that the adjustment was necessary to allow the new military chiefs to assume their duties without delay and begin their crucial work in strengthening Nigeria's security architecture.
With their confirmation now complete, the nation's attention turns to General Oluyede and his team as they take command of Nigeria's armed forces.