JUST IN : Senate Confirms Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff

 

The Senate on Wednesday confirmed General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff following the commencement of the screening of President Bola Tinubu’s newly appointed service chiefs at the National Assembly in Abuja.

Oluyede’s confirmation came less than an hour after he and other nominees arrived at the complex under heightened security.

Welcoming the nominees, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the screening exercise was a constitutional duty designed to ensure that only the most qualified and patriotic officers are entrusted with protecting the nation.

He 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 your years of dedicated service to our great nation.”

Akpabio further noted that the screening underscored the Senate’s oversight role in maintaining professionalism and discipline within the armed forces, emphasizing that the chamber looked forward to meaningful engagements that would strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.

“Today’s exercise,” he added, “reflects our constitutional responsibility to ensure that only the most competent, patriotic, and disciplined officers are charged with safeguarding our national security and territorial integrity.”

General Oluyede, who led the delegation, arrived at the National Assembly complex around 10 a.m. accompanied by other senior military officers. The nominees appeared before the Committee of the Whole, chaired by Akpabio, for screening and formal confirmation.

Their appearance followed a letter from President Tinubu, read during Tuesday’s plenary, requesting the Senate’s “expeditious consideration” of the appointments.

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)

• Major General Emmanuel Undiendeye (Chief of Defence Intelligence)

The screening comes a week after President Tinubu’s closed-door meeting with the new service chiefs at the Presidential Villa—his first official engagement with the top military hierarchy following a major reshuffle in the armed forces.

According to the Presidency, the appointments are part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to reinforce national security and enhance coordination among the military and intelligence agencies.

President Tinubu also commended the outgoing service chiefs for their patriotic service and leadership, urging their successors to uphold professionalism, unity, and vigilance in the discharge of their duties.