By Gloria Ikibah
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has written to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, seeking the confirmation of new appointments in the nation’s defence leadership, including the Chief of Defence Staff and other Service Chiefs.
Both letters, signed by President Tinubu, were formally read during plenary on Wednesday by Speaker Abbas. 
In the first letter, titled “Appointment of Chief of Defence Staff,” President Tinubu stated:
“In compliance with the provisions of Section 18, Subsection 1 of the Armed Forces Act, Cap 820, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, I am pleased to present for confirmation by the House of Representatives the appointment of Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff. While I hope that the House of Representatives will consider this request expeditiously, please accept, Right Honourable Speaker, the assurances of my consideration and best regards.”
In a separate letter on the appointment of Service Chiefs, President Tinubu wrote:
“In compliance with the provisions of Section 18, Subsection 1 of the Armed Forces Act, Cap 820, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, I am pleased to present for confirmation by the House of Representatives the four nominees listed below as Service Chiefs of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
• Chief of Army Staff – Major General Waidi Shuaibu
• Chief of Naval Staff – Rear Admiral Idi Abbas
• Chief of Air Staff – AVM Kennedy Aneke
While I hope that the House of Representatives will consider and confirm the nominees expeditiously, please accept, Right Honourable Speaker, the assurances of my consideration and best regards.”
Following the communications, the House resolved to refer the nominations to an ad-hoc screening committee for legislative consideration and confirmation.
The Speaker announced that the screening panel will be chaired by the Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, with the Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen of the Committees on Army, Navy, and Air Force serving as members.
Given the urgency of the matter and the concurrent confirmation process ongoing in the Senate, the committee was directed to commence screening immediately after the day’s plenary.
The Speaker urged the committee to ensure a thorough and swift process, in accordance with established legislative practices and constitutional provisions.
