The Senate has confirmed the appointment of new service chiefs as the House of Representatives pledged fair and thorough evaluation
The Senate on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of four new service chiefs nominated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Those confirmed include General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Waheedi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff.
The confirmation followed a formal request from President Bola Tinubu, read at plenary on October 27, urging the Senate to fast-track the process in light of the country’s security priorities.
President Tinubu described the appointments as part of a broader strategic realignment aimed at deepening professionalism, boosting morale, and strengthening inter-agency coordination within Nigeria’s security architecture.
During the screening session, which lasted about two hours, nominees emphasized the urgent need to restructure the country’s policing system to manage internal security challenges more effectively and reduce reliance on the military.
Lt. Gen. Oluyede, former Chief of Army Staff and now Chief of Defence Staff designate, underscored this point, warning that the military’s ongoing engagements against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry were stretching its capacity.
He called for a collective approach to national security, backed by modern warfare equipment to strengthen the country’s overall defence framework.
New Service Chiefs Pledge Renewed Commitment to Defeating Insecurity
Meanwhile during their appearance before the House of Representatives Committees on Defence, Army, Navy, and Air Force, the newly appointed service chiefs have pledged to intensify the fight against insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality across Nigeria.
The service chiefs arrived at the National Assembly in the company of the Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru Abubakar, and other senior military officials.
In his presentation, the Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. General Oluyede, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him, describing his nomination as an opportunity to “rejig the security architecture of our beloved country.”
“This is an opportunity to rejig the security architecture of our beloved country. I am grateful to Mr. President for the confidence reposed in me. Having served the Nigerian Army for over three decades and as the 24th Chief of Army Staff, I believe my experience has adequately prepared me for this assignment,” he said.
Lt. Gen. Oluyede noted that his years of service at various operational and strategic levels had equipped him with the necessary insight to lead the Armed Forces effectively.
“If confirmed by this committee, I shall do my utmost best to justify the confidence of Mr. President, the National Assembly, and the Nigerian people,” he assured.
He further emphasized that addressing the nation’s security challenges would require collective effort, robust inter-agency collaboration, and stronger partnerships with neighbouring countries.
“The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is on the right path toward creating a secure environment for socio-economic growth. I look forward to working with the National Assembly and other stakeholders to restore peace and stability nationwide,” he added.
Lt. Gen. Oluyede also pledged to prioritize the welfare and well-being of military personnel and their families, noting that improved motivation remains key to operational effectiveness.
On his part, the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, assured lawmakers of his readiness to reposition the Navy for greater efficiency.
“Having served in various operational and instructional capacities, including as Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command and Director of Operations at Naval Headquarters, I have a firm grasp of what is required to move the Navy forward,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Rep. Babajimi Benson, charged the nominees to meet the high expectations of Nigerians.
“Our country faces evolving threats from terrorism and banditry to cyber and maritime insecurity. Nigerians expect results, and we share that expectation. This screening offers us the opportunity to hear your strategies for restoring peace and stability,” Rep. Benson stated.
He assured that the committees would be fair, thorough, and objective in their evaluation.
“Our goal is to ensure that only the most capable and visionary leaders are confirmed to serve at this critical time. We are partners in progress, united by a shared commitment to Nigeria’s security, peace, and prosperity,” he concluded.
