The Senate, on Wednesday, held a closed-door screening session for the acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja. The screening was conducted by the Senate Committee on the Army, chaired by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, in Room 211 of the Senate New Building.
The screening follows President Bola Tinubu’s formal nomination of Oluyede for confirmation as the Chief of Army Staff, a request conveyed in a letter to the Senate on Tuesday.
Opening Remarks
In his opening statement, Senator Yar’Adua underscored the critical role of the National Assembly in fostering peace, order, and good governance, especially in the area of national security. He described the screening process as an important step toward fulfilling constitutional obligations.
“This screening exercise is a demonstration of our commitment to uphold the laws of the Federation and the constitutional principles guiding national security,” Yar’Adua said.
Focus on Security Challenges
Yar’Adua highlighted the numerous security challenges facing Nigeria, including terrorism, insurgency, and other forms of criminal activity. He commended the armed forces for their dedication to addressing these issues but emphasized the need for strong leadership to overcome persistent threats.
“This screening aims to evaluate the nominee’s professional skills, strategic vision for national security, and ability to address the country’s pressing security issues. We will also assess his proposals for improving military funding and the welfare of personnel,” Yar’Adua added.
Closed-Door Deliberations
Given the sensitive nature of the discussions, the committee opted to conduct the screening behind closed doors. During the session, Yar’Adua urged Lt. Gen. Oluyede to outline his vision for bolstering Nigeria’s security framework and enhancing the military’s ability to tackle both internal and external threats.
“The security of our nation is paramount, and this exercise provides an opportunity to chart a path forward under the leadership of the nominee,” Yar’Adua stated.
Next Steps
The Senate Committee on the Army is expected to compile its findings and recommendations from the screening and present them to the full Senate for further legislative consideration. This step will determine whether Lt. Gen. Oluyede will be confirmed as the substantive Chief of Army Staff.
The process highlights the Senate’s commitment to ensuring that key military appointments align with the country’s security needs and constitutional provisions.