The Senate on Wednesday, October 29, confirmed General Olufemi Oluyede as Nigeria’s new Chief of Defence Staff after a brief but high-profile screening at the National Assembly complex in Abuja.
Oluyede, who arrived at the complex around 10 a.m. with other nominees under tight security, was confirmed less than an hour after the session began.
Welcoming the new service chiefs, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the screening was an important constitutional responsibility designed to ensure that only capable and patriotic officers lead the country’s armed forces.
“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,” Akpabio said.
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He explained that the exercise was part of the Senate’s oversight role to promote discipline, professionalism, and accountability within the military.
“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,” Akpabio added.
The newly confirmed officers include Major General Waheedi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff, Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Major General Emmanuel Undiendeye as Chief of Defence Intelligence.
Their confirmation followed a letter from President Bola Tinubu urging the Senate to give “expeditious consideration” to the nominees.
The appointments are part of the president’s wider effort to strengthen national security and enhance coordination among the military and intelligence agencies.