The House of Representatives has approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to confirm the appointment of Lt Gen Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the substantive Chief of Army Staff.
Speaker Tajudeen Abba read the President’s request in a letter during plenary on Tuesday, November 26.
Following this, an ad hoc committee headed by Babajimi Benson, chairman of the House Committee on Defence, was constituted on November 27 for Oluyede’s screening.
In his letter, the President said, “By 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 and actively since his appointment. He has displayed exceptional leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to our nation’s security and, continued stability and the progress of our Armed Forces.
“His qualifications, experience, and contributions to the Nigerian Army and the nation make him well-suited for this vital 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.”
Oluyede was screened by the ad hoc committee on Wednesday, and the report was submitted to the House for consideration at plenary on Thursday morning.
Presenting the report for consideration, Benson said the committee believed that the Oluyede has the quality to lead the Nigerian Army.
The committee’s new commendation said: “The ad-hoc 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 observed that he displayed a vast knowledge of tactics and military operations during his acting capacity.
“Consequently, the ad-hoc committee recommends that Lt. Gen. Oluyede be confirmed as the Chief of Army Staff of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, having successfully undergone the screening process of the committee
The House unanimously adopted the recommendation.