Senate confirms Oluyede as Chief Of Army Staff

The Senate has confirmed the appointment of Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as the substantive Chief of Army Staff.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the confirmation during a plenary session on Tuesday in Abuja.

Oluyede’s confirmation followed a voice vote after the presentation of the Army Committee’s report by its Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua.

The report detailed that Oluyede had undergone comprehensive screening and met all the required qualifications for the role.

President Bola Tinubu initially appointed Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff on October 30, following the illness of his predecessor, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who sadly passed away on November 5.

The president’s formal request for Oluyede’s confirmation was presented to the Senate on November 26 and referred to the Army Committee for further scrutiny.

“There were no petitions against the nominee, and the State Security Service (SSS) cleared him of any security concerns,” he noted, while recommending the nominee’s confirmation.

Also, Senator Simon Lalong from Plateau South seconded the motion, emphasising the nominee’s competence and the importance of filling the critical role.

After deliberations, the Senate ratified Oluyede’s appointment, with the majority of senators supporting the motion via voice vote.

In his remarks, the Senate President expressed optimism that Oluyede’s leadership would help reduce banditry, terrorism, and other security challenges plaguing the country.

He congratulated the newly confirmed Chief of Army Staff and extended prayers for the late Lieutenant General Lagbaja, acknowledging his contributions to national security.