The Senate has commenced the screening of Lt.-General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), alongside the newly appointed service chiefs nominated by President Bola Tinubu.
The session began at exactly 12:46 p.m. on Wednesday when the nominees were ushered into the hallowed chamber.
Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), had moved that since General Oluyede was previously screened and confirmed as Chief of Army Staff, there was no need to subject him to another screening.
However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio overruled the motion, maintaining that Oluyede’s new appointment as CDS warranted a fresh appearance before the lawmakers.
“Since he is being appointed into a new position, it is pertinent for him to speak to the Senate about himself, his career, and his experience, especially as Chief of Army Staff,” Akpabio said.
At press time, General Oluyede was addressing the chamber, highlighting his military experience and vision for Nigeria’s defence architecture.
Other nominees present include Major-General Waheedi Shaibu (Chief of Army Staff), Rear Admiral Idi Abbas (Chief of Naval Staff), and Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke (Chief of Air Staff).
Also in attendance were the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General Emmanuel Undiendeye, and the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru.
President Tinubu had earlier written to the Senate, requesting the screening and confirmation of the service chiefs to ensure “continuity and effective coordination” within Nigeria’s security system.
The letter, read on the Senate floor by Akpabio on Tuesday, listed the new military leadership as follows:
- Chief of Defence Staff: General Olufemi Oluyede
- Chief of Army Staff: Major-General Waheedi Shaibu
- Chief of Naval Staff: Rear Admiral Idi Abbas
- Chief of Air Staff: Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke
The Senate had initially scheduled the screening for next week but moved it forward to Wednesday, October 29, to allow the officers assume their duties without delay.
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