On Thursday, November 28, the House of Representatives officially approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request to confirm Lt. Gen. Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the substantive Chief of Army Staff.
Gen. Oluyede had been serving as the acting Chief of Army Staff following the illness and eventual passing of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.
The president’s nomination letter was presented on the floor of the House by Speaker Abba Tajudeen on Tuesday, November 26. Subsequently, an ad-hoc committee, led by Babajimi Benson (APC, Lagos), Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, was formed on Wednesday to oversee Gen. Oluyede’s screening.
In his letter, the President said: “In accordance with the provisions of Section 218, Subsection 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, and Section 18, Subsection 1 of the Armed Forces Act, I am pleased to forward for confirmation by the Senate the appointment of Lieutenant General Oluyede as the Chief of Army Staff of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Lieutenant General Oluyede has been serving diligently in an active capacity since his appointment. He has displayed exceptional leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the security and continued stability of our nation and the progress of our Armed Forces.
“His qualifications, experience, and contributions to the Nigerian Army and the nation at large make him well-suited for this important role.
“While I am confident that the Senate will consider and confirm the nominee expeditiously, please accept, Distinguished Senate President and Distinguished Senators, the assurances of my highest consideration.”
On Wednesday afternoon, Oluyede underwent screening by the ad-hoc committee, and the committee’s report was submitted to the House for consideration during Thursday morning’s plenary session.
While presenting the report, Chairman Babajimi Benson stated that the committee is confident in Oluyede’s qualifications and believes he possesses the leadership qualities necessary to head the Nigerian Army.
He said: “On the 26th of November 2024, the Parliament graciously appointed us to screen the acting Chief of Army Staff. We did that yesterday, we reviewed his CV, and we questioned him on various issues which included inter-agency synergy, and civilian-military relationships.
READ ALSO: Tinubu writes Senate for confirmation of Oluyede as COAS
“Our observation is that Gen Oluyede is fit and proper and gave a very good account of himself. In conclusion, we request that the House approve his appointment as the substantive Chief of Army Staff.”
The committee’s new commendation said: “The ad-hoc committee carefully and thoroughly engaged with the nominee for the position of Chief of Army Staff and was satisfied with his academic and professional qualifications, exposure, conduct, character, experience, and general performance.
“The ad-hoc committee also observed that he displayed a wide knowledge of tactics and military operations as exhibited during his acting capacity.
“Consequently, the ad-hoc committee does hereby recommend that Lt. Gen. Oluyede be confirmed as the Chief of Army Staff of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, having successfully undergone the screening process of the committee.”
The recommendation was Unanimously approved by the House
