By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request for the confirmation of the appointment of Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as Chief of Army Staff.
Lt. Gen. Oluyede was appointed acting Chief of Army Staff due to the ilness and subsequent death of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja in November 2024.
The letter from President Tinubu was read during plenary on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 by Speaker Abba Tajudeen after which an adhoc committee headed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson (APC, Lagos) was constituted on Wednesday for the screening of Oluyede
The leter read:, “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.”
Naijablitznews.com recalled that Oluyede was screened by the adhoc committee on Wednesday afternoon and the report of the screening submitted to the House for consideration on Thursday at plenary.
Presenting the report for consider, Rep. Benson stated that Lt. Gen. Oluyede has the quality to lead the Nigerian Army.
He said: “On the 26th November, 2024, the Parliament n graciously appointed us to screen the acting Chief of Army Staff. We did that yesterday, we reviewed his CV, we questioned himmon various issues which included inter agency synergy, civilian military relationship.
“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 do approve his appointment as the substantive Chief of Army Staff”
The committee’s new commendation stated, “the adhoc 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 oberseved that he displayed wide knowledge of tactics and military operations as exhibited during his acting capacity. Consequently, the ad hoc committee do hereby recommend that Lt. Gen. Oluyede be confirmed as the Chief of Army Staff of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, having successfully undergone the screeninh process of the committee”.
The House unanimously adopted the recommendation when put to a voice vote by Speaker Abba.