The acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, appeared before the two chambers of the National Assembly on Wednesday for screening, asserting that he is well-experienced and qualified to lead the Nigerian Army. While the Senate conducted the screening behind closed doors, the House of Representatives held the exercise in an open session.
President Bola Tinubu appointed Oluyede as acting COAS following the passing of the late Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who died recently.
Addressing the House of Representatives Joint Committee on Defence and Army, Oluyede said, “I humbly appear before you today to be confirmed as the 24th Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army simply because tragedy befell our Army and the Armed Force when the 23rd Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, passed after a brief illness.”
Reflecting on his military career, Oluyede spoke about his extensive experience. “I have served this great nation as an officer of the Nigerian Army for over 30 years. My exposure to national security issues at the junior, middle, and senior cadres of the military profession has prepared me adequately for the assignment I am being screened for here today.”
He continued, “In the past five years or thereabouts, I have operated at the senior operational and management levels of the Nigerian Army, and I have somewhat been part of the running of the service in its entirety. Thus, I cannot completely distance myself from the successes or setbacks of our great Army in the past couple of years. However, I see my nomination as the Chief of Army Staff as a privileged opportunity to be in the driver’s seat and bring about more positive changes to the Nigerian Army to enable it to fulfil its constitutional responsibilities.”
“If confirmed by this joint committee and given the common mandate to lead the Nigerian Army during this period, I promise to do my best to justify the confidence reposed in me by the appointing authority, which is His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the confirming authority which is you members of the National Assembly and the generality of Nigerians,” Oluyede added.
He emphasized the need for aircraft to support the Army’s operations in addressing security challenges. “The Nigerian Army requires aircraft for its operations to combat the challenges of insecurity,” Oluyede stated.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson, affirmed that Nigeria had the resources to tackle its security challenges.
Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Army, chaired by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, conducted Oluyede’s screening in a closed session in Room 211 of the Senate New Building at the National Assembly Complex.
In his opening remarks, Senator Yar’Adua welcomed committee members and stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of the screening as a critical legislative function. He referenced the letter from President Bola Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, nominating Oluyede for confirmation as Chief of Army Staff.
“The nomination complies with Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004,” Yar’Adua said.
He further explained, “The National Assembly is constitutionally vested with the power to ensure peace, order, and good governance of the country. This screening exercise is a demonstration of our commitment to upholding the laws of the federation and the constitutional principles guiding national security.”
Highlighting the nation’s security challenges, Yar’Adua acknowledged the ongoing threats, including terrorism and criminal activities, and commended the armed forces for their efforts in combating these threats.
“This screening aims to evaluate the nominee’s professional skills, strategic security vision, and ability to address the country’s pressing security issues. We will also assess his proposals for improving military funding and the welfare of personnel,” Yar’Adua noted.
Due to the sensitive nature of the proceedings, Yar’Adua explained that the screening would be conducted behind closed doors. He encouraged Oluyede to share his vision for strengthening Nigeria’s security sector and addressing both internal and external threats.
The committee then moved into a closed-door session for the screening. The committee is expected to submit its report and recommendations to the Senate after deliberations.
