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.

There are indications that President Bola Tinubu is preparing to transmit the names of ambassadors-designate to the Senate for screening and confirmation. The list will include nominees who are set to serve as Nigeria’s ambassadors and high commissioners to various countries and multilateral organizations.

Government officials with knowledge of the matter have informed our correspondent that the names of the nominees will be transmitted in early December. This development follows 14 months after 83 ambassadors were recalled in September 2023.

Nigeria currently has 109 missions worldwide, comprising 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates.

A report from November 21, 2024, had indicated that the Federal Government had begun deploying consular officers to diplomatic missions globally, ahead of the expected release of the ambassadorial list.

On Wednesday, President Tinubu left Abuja for a three-day state visit to France, at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron. Afterward, he is expected to visit South Africa for a state visit, marking his second trip to the country after attending President Cyril Ramaphosa’s inauguration last June.

Upon assuming office in May 2023, President Tinubu reassessed Nigeria’s foreign policy, which led to the recall of 83 career and non-career ambassadors. These envoys were instructed to return to Nigeria by October 31, 2023.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, stated that the ambassadors served at the President’s behest in their respective host nations, and it was the “prerogative to send or recall them from any country.” However, 14 months later, they have yet to be replaced, leaving a diplomatic void.

Section 171(2)(1c) and Subsection 4 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) stipulate that appointments to the office of ambassador, high commissioner, or other principal representatives of Nigeria abroad must be made by the President and shall not take effect unless confirmed by the Senate.

On March 25, Tuggar confirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had compiled and submitted the names of prospective career diplomats to the President for consideration.

“We have collated everything on our part and forwarded it to Mr. President,” Tuggar said.

Although it remains unclear whether the nominees are political or career diplomats, indications suggest that most are career diplomats. Career diplomats are typically promoted through the Foreign Service, while political appointees are often chosen by the President.

The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, previously spoke about the process, stating that nominations must undergo a thorough review before a final list is transmitted to the National Assembly. “Don’t forget that the ambassadorial list has two components. There are career ambassadors and political ambassadors. The foreign affairs list and the consolidated list will still go through certain processes before it is released,” he said.

A government official, who requested anonymity, confirmed that the appointment of ambassadors is imminent. “Ambassadorial appointments require approval from the National Assembly. So, the list will be submitted to the Senate President, who will then announce it. But it has not been submitted yet. Yes, I can confirm that. Once submitted to the Senate President, they will publish it the following day. So, that means it would be until he (President Tinubu) comes back from France and South Africa because he is going to South Africa from France for a state visit. After that, he will release it,” the official said.

In April 2024, the government appointed 12 consuls-general and five chargés d’affaires to represent Nigeria in 14 countries, but these interim appointments have failed to fill the leadership vacuum in key missions. Consuls-general and chargés d’affaires can carry out routine administrative duties and oversee embassy operations, but they lack the diplomatic authority to engage at the highest levels, such as with heads of state or in critical international negotiations.

On May 28, the foreign affairs minister cited a lack of funds as the main reason for the delay in appointing new ambassadors. A few days later, former Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Eche Abu-Ode said any new ambassadorial appointments would depend on budget allocations.

A senior official in Nigeria’s Foreign Service, who is familiar with the developments, stated that while the names of the appointees would be released in early December, they will not begin their diplomatic duties for several months. The official explained, “This is the last week of November. Within the first week of December, it should be out. It’s long overdue. What happens is that the Senate will screen those appointed.”

“There’s usually an agreement; it’s like one president writing to another president informing them that ‘I am sending such and such a person as my principal representative to your country.’ The other country will write back saying they have accepted such a person. That ambassador will now take a letter of credence to the host president. Once a foreign government receives an agreement, it does serious background checks on the persons nominated for ambassadorial roles to know the person’s standing and to ensure that they don’t have inimical intentions for the country. But we haven’t gotten to that stage yet.”

“Those nominated have to be announced first. When they are announced, it will take a minimum of three months and a maximum of six months for them to begin their tour of duty. This depends on the country. For instance, if Nigeria wants to send an ambassador to the Niger Republic, given the current state of the relationship, Niger would understandably take its time to run this check.”

On the identities of the nominees, sources suggest that a senior member of the President’s media team may be among those appointed. “The ambassador thing is coming up very soon. It’s coming soon and it’s going to be announced in about a week. Maybe not all the countries, it’s going to be African countries first. But it will soon be released. What I’m hearing is that one of the presidential media aides is likely going to be made an ambassador to one of those African countries. If there’s any announcement, his name will be mentioned,” said a senior State House official close to the President.

Reports also suggest that a founder of a top-tier bank, a former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, and the Speaker of a House of Assembly in the North are being considered for ambassadorial roles.

Another official noted that the prolonged delay in appointments has created a diplomatic void, leaving key foreign missions without proper leadership. “It has been a long time coming. Many decisions are on hold because our missions and embassies are still expecting new diplomats. Major meetings are happening around the world without us because we have no representation at such levels. The President cannot be everywhere at the same time. The minister of foreign affairs cannot do everything by himself,” the official said, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

Meanwhile, former diplomats have expressed concern over the eight-month delay in posting ambassadors, warning that Nigeria’s absence from the international stage could have long-term consequences for its global reputation.

Dr. Ogbole Amedu-Ode, a former Nigerian Ambassador to Mexico and Singapore, stated, “In a situation of negotiations taking place at the highest level of the mission hierarchy, it means that those missions that do not have their principal envoys would be placed at a disadvantage of non-representation. However, it is not too much of an issue in the practice of diplomacy. This is because, in the absence of a principal envoy of ambassadorial rank, the Chargés d’affaires will hold watch until a substantive head of mission arrives. Government and governance, which extends to diplomacy and diplomatic practice, have continuity as one of their hallmarks.”

Similarly, Ambassador Rasheed Akinkuolie, a retired consul to Cameroon and delegate to the World Expo and Economic Development Centre in Paris, expressed concern that host governments may question Nigeria’s delay in replacing its recalled ambassadors, seeing the prolonged absence as a sign of instability. He said, “It is not the best option not to have resident ambassadors at a post. Chargés d’affaires may not be able to relate with host governments at the highest level, which includes heads of state.

A chargé d’affaires can generally only relate with foreign ministries and other officials.”

Pro-Biafran agitator Simon Ekpa, who was arrested in Finland for alleged terrorism-related activities, is set to face charges in May 2025, according to Finnish authorities.

Mikko Laaksonen, a Senior Detective Superintendent at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, confirmed on Tuesday that the district court has scheduled May 2025 as the deadline for prosecutors to present potential charges against Ekpa.

Last week, the Finnish government announced Ekpa’s arrest, along with four other individuals, on suspicion of terror-related activities, including incitement to violence and terrorism financing.

Finnish police stated that Ekpa, who claims to be the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, allegedly used social media to incite violence in the South-East region, targeting both civilians and authorities.

According to local news outlet Yle, Ekpa was remanded in custody by the Päijät-Häme District Court on charges of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent. The Finnish Central Criminal Police confirmed the arrests in a statement last Thursday, adding that the other suspects face allegations of financing terrorist activities.

Detective Laaksonen provided an update on the case, noting that the investigation is still ongoing, and no further details could be shared. When asked about the court schedule, he explained, “Due to the ongoing investigation, no further details can be disclosed. The date for bringing up possible charges by the prosecution was set by the district court to May 2025.”

He added that Ekpa and the Finnish authorities could request a re-evaluation after two weeks. “In a basic situation regarding the remand, the next possible hearing can be held no earlier than two weeks from the previous hearing, should the parties in question seek for the matter to be re-evaluated by the district court,” Laaksonen explained.

The case has garnered significant international attention, with Finnish authorities confirming that cross-border cooperation is crucial to the investigation. However, officials have declined to provide further details on the nature or scope of this international collaboration. “International cooperation is part of the investigation due to the nature of the case but no further comments can be given on the subject at this point,” the NBI stated.

Ekpa gained notoriety for his calls to boycott Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, which led to violent enforcement measures and attacks on residents. He was first arrested in February 2023 for inciting violence and issuing sit-at-home orders to Igbos and other South-East residents.

His activities prompted global petitions from Nigerians urging the Finnish and Nigerian governments, as well as the European Union, to take action. In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Leena Pylvanainen, to demand Finland’s cooperation in addressing the threats posed by Ekpa.

Last Thursday, the District Court of Päijät-Häme, Finland, ordered that Ekpa be imprisoned “with probable cause on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.”

Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian origin, is accused of inciting crimes with terrorist intent, while the other suspects face charges of financing terrorism. As a prominent figure in the separatist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), he has advocated for the controversial cause of an independent Biafran state.

His rhetoric has escalated in recent years, with explicit endorsements of violence and disruptions to Nigerian elections. Finnish authorities have linked Ekpa to coordinated attacks targeting civilians and security forces, with investigations tracing some of these activities back to 2021. His use of social media as a platform for incitement and fundraising is a central element of the case.

The sit-at-home orders enforced by the ESN (Eastern Security Network) have caused devastating economic consequences in the South-East, with reports suggesting the region has lost over ₦4 trillion in two years due to these activities and the resulting insecurity.

In light of Ekpa’s detention, the Federal Government of Nigeria announced it would monitor the legal proceedings in Finland. In a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa described Ekpa’s arrest as a critical step in addressing IPOB’s activities and mitigating the influence of transnational actors on Nigeria’s national security.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms that the arrest of Mr. Simon Ekpa is a significant development in addressing the activities of IPOB and also neutralising the influence of transnational actors on our national security. The ministry will continue to monitor the legal proceedings and provide further updates as the case progresses,” the statement read.

Reports also indicated that Ekpa’s X handle (@simon_ekpa) had been inactive for seven days.

Meanwhile, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South, praised Ekpa’s arrest as a significant step toward curbing violence in the South-East. Abaribe, speaking on Channels Television, expressed hope that Ekpa’s detention would discourage those inciting unrest in the region.

Abaribe accused Ekpa and his followers of exploiting the Biafra agitation to perpetrate crimes, straying from the peaceful ideals of IPOB. “The arrest of Simon Ekpa is something that is very welcome because this will tell all those people at home, who are purveyors of violence and instigated by Simon Ekpa that he actually said that he is just a content creator and not a serious person,” he said.

The senator stressed that IPOB originally sought a non-violent referendum but lamented how criminals had co-opted the movement to unleash mayhem. “And what has happened is that a legitimate quest by the IPOB seeking a non-violent referendum was turned by all these kidnappers because they have found a key because, to average Igbo people, when you say Biafra, you must be doing the right thing. Whatever they say they are doing in the South-East is not supported by anybody in the South-East. All you have is a band of criminals.”

Abaribe further emphasized that security agencies often have difficulty distinguishing between criminals and those claiming to be part of the Biafran agitation, contributing to confusion and insecurity.

In response to rumors of IPOB planning to declare the Republic of Biafra on December 2, IPOB’s counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, called for peace and unity in the South-East. Ejiofor urged those involved in violence and false agitations to abandon their divisive actions and reassured residents that the purported declaration would not occur.

Ejiofor, describing Ekpa as a “serial fraudster,” urged individuals deceived by Ekpa’s claims to reconsider their actions. “I have always maintained that lies, deceit, fraud, treachery, and criminality have an expiration date. When the truth reaches its breaking point, it is inevitable: It is game over!”

He further stressed the need for peace, calling on the people of the South-East to reject violence and work towards reconciliation. “Freedom can never be won through such means. There’s absolutely no wisdom in cutting off one’s nose to spite one’s face.”