JUST IN: Senate confirms Oluyede as new CDS

The Senate has confirmed the appointment of General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff-designate, following a screening session held at the National Assembly complex in Abuja on Wednesday afternoon.

The confirmation came less than an hour after Gen. Oluyede and other newly appointed Service Chiefs arrived at the Senate for their screening, which took place under tight security.

Welcoming the nominees to the chamber, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the screening exercise as a constitutional duty aimed at ensuring that only the most competent and patriotic officers were entrusted with security responsibilities.

Akpabio said, “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 the years of dedicated service you have rendered to our great nation.”

Earlier leading the delegation, Oluyede arrived at the National Assembly complex around 10 a.m. alongside other senior officers. The nominees were being screened by the Senate Committee of the Whole, chaired by Akpabio, before their eventual confirmation.

Their appearance followed a letter from President Tinubu, which was read during Tuesday’s plenary, urging the Red Chamber to give “expeditious consideration” to the nominations.

The President listed the nominees as General Olufemi Oluyede (Chief of Defence Staff), Major General Waheedi Shaibu (Chief of Army Staff), Rear Admiral Idi Abbas (Chief of Naval Staff), Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke (Chief of Air Staff), and Major General Emmanuel Undiendeye (Chief of Defence Intelligence).