By Joy Odor
The members of the Ad-Hoc Committee on Defence of the House of Representatives on Wednesday screened for confirmation of appointment of Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede as substantive Chief of Army Staff.
The screening follows President Bola Tinubu’s letter to the House on Tuesday, requesting the confirmation of Oluyede as the substantive COAS by the Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Bello Usman Kumo to Honourable Members and the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen.
During his address before closed door meeting with House members, Gen Oluyede emphasized his extensive experience, having served in the Nigerian Army for over 30 years.
He said his exposure to national security issues in junior, middle, and senior career levels has prepared him adequately for the assignment,” he said.
“In the past five years, I have served at the senior and management level in the Nigerian Army and have been involved in the operations of the service. I cannot completely distance myself from the successes and setbacks of our great army.”
The Acting COAS described his nomination as a privilege, viewing it as an opportunity to drive positive changes within the Nigerian Army to enable it to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities.
Before his appointment, Oluyede served as the 56th commander of the Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army in Kaduna. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992 and rose to the rank of major general in September 2020. Oluyede and Lagbaja were coursemates in the 39th Regular Course.
The Chairman of the Defence Committee, Babajimi Benson in his speech informed that the COAS must lead with integrity and prioritize the welfare of the troops.
After Oluyede’s address, the lawmakers proceeded to an executive session. Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), and other senior military officers accompanied Oluyede during the screening.
