The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede as Nigeria’s new Chief of Defence Staff, following the screening of President Bola Tinubu’s newly appointed Service Chiefs at the National Assembly complex in Abuja.
The confirmation came amid heightened security concerns and fresh reports of an alleged coup plot, which have unsettled the nation’s political and military circles.
Oluyede, who previously served as Chief of Army Staff, arrived at the National Assembly around 10 a.m. alongside his colleagues, 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 delegation was received under tight security and led into the chamber by the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Basheer Lado.
Senate Emphasises Patriotism, Professionalism
In his opening remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the screening was part of the legislature’s constitutional duty to ensure that only the most competent and patriotic officers are entrusted with safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
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“Today’s exercise is in keeping with our constitutional duty to provide oversight and ensure that only disciplined and professional officers take command of our armed forces,” Akpabio said.
He congratulated the nominees on their appointments and commended their years of dedicated service to the nation, noting that the Senate expected a “constructive and transparent” interaction to strengthen national security.
Tinubu’s Letter and the Push for Stronger Military Coordination
President Tinubu’s letter requesting the confirmation of the Service Chiefs was read on the floor during Tuesday’s plenary. The president urged the lawmakers to grant “expeditious consideration” to the nominees in line with his administration’s commitment to security reforms.
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The appointments, which followed a major shake-up in the military hierarchy, are seen as part of Tinubu’s broader efforts to enhance synergy between the armed forces and intelligence agencies.
According to the Presidency, the reshuffle aims to inject new energy into the nation’s security structure amid rising threats, including the alleged coup plot and growing insurgency across parts of the North and Middle Belt.
Oluyede Promises Discipline, Technological Renewal
While addressing lawmakers, General Oluyede described his previous experience as both “challenging and rewarding.” He acknowledged that inadequate resources had hindered counter-insurgency operations but said his focus would be on strengthening local arms production and deepening inter-agency coordination.
“As a soldier, you must always move forward when danger approaches,” Oluyede said. “We must build our own defence technology and reduce dependence on foreign supplies to effectively protect this country.”
He also called for reforms to strengthen the Nigeria Police Force, arguing that the military continues to perform duties constitutionally assigned to the police.
Following his remarks, Akpabio moved that Oluyede, having been screened previously as Chief of Army Staff, be allowed to take a bow. The motion was unanimously adopted.
The Senate is expected to conclude the confirmation of the remaining Service Chiefs before forwarding its resolutions to the presidency.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
