The House of Representatives has confirmed the appointment of Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS). This follows the adoption of a report by an ad-hoc committee tasked with screening and confirming his nomination.
Key Details:
- Presidential Appointment:
Lt. Gen. Oluyede was appointed in October by President Bola Tinubu after the former army chief, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, fell ill. Following Lagbaja’s passing on November 5, President Tinubu formally requested Oluyede’s confirmation. - Screening Process:
Appearing before the House’s Joint Committee on Defence and Army, Oluyede pledged to tackle Nigeria’s security challenges and enhance the army’s capacity to fulfil its constitutional duties. “I see my nomination as an opportunity to bring positive changes to the Nigerian Army,” he stated, emphasizing his leadership experience in the past five years. - Committee’s Report:
The chairman of the committee, Babajimi Benson, affirmed that Oluyede met all the necessary requirements, leading to his confirmation.
A Commitment to Security
Lt. Gen. Oluyede vowed to collaborate with stakeholders, including the National Assembly, to address security issues across Nigeria. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the army during this critical time, promising to justify the confidence placed in him.
The confirmation marks a pivotal step in bolstering Nigeria’s defense structure as the nation seeks lasting peace and stability.
