The Senate confirmed the appointment of Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede as the substantive Chief of Army Staff (COAS) during its plenary sitting on Tuesday.
Oluyede’s confirmation followed the adoption of the Committee on Army’s report presented by its Chairman, Sen. Abdulaziz Yar’adua (APC-Katsina Central).
Lieutenant General Oluyede was appointed to act as the Chief of Army Staff following the illness and subsequent death of Lt .-Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.
Yar’adua informed the Senators that Oluyede demonstrated an in-depth understanding of the nation’s security challenges and solutions.
The lawmaker noted that Oluyede impressed the committee with his high level of understanding, achievements, and excellence, as outlined in his credentials.
He stated that the nomination of Oluyede aligns with Section 217, Subsection 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended.
Additionally, he explained that the nomination complies with the provisions of Section 18, Subsection 1 of the Armed Forces Act.
Yar’adua remarked: “The nominee possesses the required competence, experience, and educational qualifications to be conferred with the position of Chief of Army Staff.”
He further noted that Oluyede had been cleared by the Department of State Services (DSS) and had followed the correct process of promotion, making him eligible to occupy the position of COAS.
“The committee diligently and meticulously conducted the screening of the nominee and was satisfied with his conduct, competence, experience, and educational qualifications. We hereby recommend the Senate to confirm his nomination,” Yar’adua said.
The Senate subsequently confirmed Oluyede’s appointment as the substantive COAS after Senate President Godswill Akpabio subjected the confirmation to a voice vote.
