By Abbanobi -Eku OnyekachiAbuja
The Senate has confirmed the appointment of Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as the substantive Chief of Army Staff (COAS). The confirmation was announced by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a plenary session on Tuesday in Abuja.
Oluyede’s appointment was approved through a voice vote after the presentation of the Army Committee’s report by its Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua. The report highlighted Oluyede’s impressive credentials and his demonstration of an in-depth understanding of the nation’s security challenges and solutions.
President Bola Tinubu had appointed Oluyede as the acting COAS on October 30, following the illness and subsequent death of his predecessor, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja. The president’s formal request for Oluyede’s confirmation was read on the Senate floor on November 26 and subsequently referred to the Army Committee for screening.
Senator Yar’adua informed the Senators that Oluyede impressed the committee with his high level of understanding, achievements, and excellence, as outlined in his credentials. He noted that Oluyede’s nomination aligns with Section 217, Subsection 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended.
The confirmation of Oluyede’s appointment as the COAS is seen as a significant development in the country’s security landscape. Oluyede is expected to bring his wealth of experience and expertise to bear in addressing the nation’s security challenges.
