The House of Representatives on Thursday confirmed the appointment of Nigeria’s new service chiefs, following the adoption of a report submitted by an ad-hoc committee led by Babajimi Benson, who represents Ikorodu Federal Constituency.
The confirmation came after the committee screened the nominees — Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede (Chief of Defence Staff), Major General Waidi Shaibu (Chief of Army Staff), Rear Admiral Idi Abbas (Chief of Naval Staff), and Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke (Chief of Air Staff).
President Bola Tinubu had last week announced a major shake-up in the nation’s security leadership — a move some analysts linked to a rumoured coup plot within the military ranks. The sudden cancellation of the Independence Day military parade also fueled speculations of unease within the armed forces.
However, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed the speculation, insisting that the President, as Commander-in-Chief, reserves full authority to appoint or remove service chiefs at will.
During Thursday’s plenary presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, the House unanimously approved the recommendations of the screening committee.
The report partly read:
“That Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede be confirmed as the Chief of Defence Staff;
That Major General Waidi Shaibu be confirmed as the Chief of Army Staff;
That Rear Admiral Idi Abbas be confirmed as the Chief of Naval Staff;
And that Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke be confirmed as the Chief of Air Staff — all having successfully undergone the screening process.”
Members voted in support of the report through a voice vote.
Deputy Speaker Kalu congratulated the newly confirmed service chiefs, urging them to deploy their vast experience and professionalism to strengthen national security and protect citizens “day and night.”
Comments