…Presidency hails “seamless synergy” with lawmakers as Oluyede, Shaibu, Abbas, Aneke take command
By Joy Odor Abuja
Nigeria’s security command structure entered a new era on Wednesday as the Senate confirmed the appointment of four new Service Chiefs nominated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, marking what observers describe as a decisive step in reshaping the nation’s defence architecture.
Following an exhaustive screening session by the Committee of the Whole, Lawmakers gave a unanimous voice vote confirming Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff, and Air Vice Marshal Sunday K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff.
The confirmations, which dominated Wednesday’s plenary, drew bipartisan applause, signalling a rare moment of unity around the administration’s national security strategy.
Announcing the approvals, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the nominees as “battle-tested, reform-minded professionals” whose appointment reflects President Tinubu’s “strategic and deliberate effort to rebuild trust and operational coherence across the Armed Forces.”
“This Senate believes these officers are fit and capable to restore stability, professionalism, and renewed hope in our military institutions. Security is a shared responsibility, and these appointments reflect that shared commitment,” Akpabio said.
He noted that the upper chamber suspended all other agenda items to prioritize the screening process underscoring the urgency attached to stabilizing Nigeria’s security landscape amid rising threats across multiple fronts.
Within hours of the confirmation, the Presidency reacted with measured elation, describing the process as a model of “executive-legislative synergy at its best.”
In a personally signed statement, the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, Senator Basheer Lado, commended lawmakers for their swift and constructive engagement.
“As the President’s Adviser on Senate Matters, I facilitated this crucial interface to ensure smooth coordination between both arms of government, consistent with President Tinubu’s commitment to effective governance and national security,” Lado said.
He praised the Senate’s leadership for “prompt and patriotic consideration” of the nominees, noting that their confirmation “underscores the shared vision to secure Nigeria and rebuild public trust in the Armed Forces.”
“The appointment of Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Maj. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, AVM Sunday Aneke, and Rear Admiral Idi Abbas is not just a personnel change, it’s a strategic recalibration of Nigeria’s defence posture,” he added.
The new Service Chiefs replace their predecessors who were relieved of duty earlier in October following what insiders described as “operational fatigue and internal discontent” within the ranks.
Analysts say the confirmation signals Tinubu’s intent to reset the country’s security priorities from reactive firefighting to integrated intelligence-led operations.
Akpabio, closing the plenary, prayed for “divine guidance” for the new military heads as they take on the task of safeguarding lives, property, and territorial integrity in what remains one of the most challenging security environments in Africa.
“Nigeria is watching,” Akpabio said. “This is not just a change of guards it’s a call to service, and a test of leadership.”
