The Senate on Wednesday confirmed General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff, marking the commencement of the screening exercise for the recently appointed service chiefs at the National Assembly complex in Abuja.
Oluyede’s confirmation came less than an hour after he and other nominees arrived at the Senate chamber under tight security.
Welcoming the nominees, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the screening as a constitutional duty designed to ensure that only competent and patriotic officers are entrusted with the nation’s security.
“Distinguished colleagues, it is with great pleasure that I welcome our newly appointed service chiefs to the hallowed chamber of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. On behalf of the entire Senate, I congratulate you on your well-deserved appointments and commend you for your years of dedicated service to our great nation,” Akpabio said.
He explained that the screening exercise formed part of the Senate’s oversight responsibilities to promote discipline and professionalism within the armed forces, adding that the chamber expected a robust engagement that would help strengthen the country’s security architecture.
Akpabio further stated, “Today’s exercise aligns with our constitutional duty to provide oversight and ensure that only the most competent, patriotic, and disciplined officers are entrusted with safeguarding our national security and territorial integrity.”
