Nigerian service chiefs begin senate screening

Nigerian Service Chiefs appear at the National Assembly for confirmation, following President Tinubu’s sweeping military appointments to strengthen national security

Nigerian Service Chiefs arrived at the National Assembly Complex on Wednesday, October 29, accompanied by senior military officers, for their screening by the Senate.

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The move follows the Senate’s decision to bring forward the process, initially scheduled for next week, ensuring that the new military leaders can assume their duties without delay.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio read a correspondence from President Bola Tinubu seeking the confirmation of General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff.

Akpabio emphasised that the rescheduling would facilitate continuity and effective coordination of the nation’s security structure.

President Tinubu had on October 24 announced major changes in the military hierarchy.

General Oluyede replaces General Christopher Musa as CDS, while Major-General W. Shaibu was appointed Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S. K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff.

Major-General E. A. P. Undiendeye retains his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence, according to a statement by Sunday Dare, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication. All appointments take immediate effect.

General Oluyede, who assumed office as Chief of Army Staff last year following the death of General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, now succeeds General Musa as CDS.

The outgoing chiefs—Musa, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and Air Marshal Bala Abubakar—had led key operations against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed bandits in the North-East and North-West since June 2023.

While their tenure achieved notable successes, continued attacks by armed groups have prompted calls for fresh strategies and leadership in the nation’s security apparatus.

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Details will follow as the Senate screening progresses.

David Okere