Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The House of Representatives have confirmed Lit-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede as the substantive Chief of Army Staff.
The confirmation followed Oluyede’s screening on Wednesday by the Joint Committees on Defence and Army.
The report was submitted by Babajimi Benson, the committee’s Chairman during plenary where he urged the House to confirm Oluyede.
His prayer was granted in the session presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu.
In his summary of the report, Benson, who represents the Ikorodu Federal Constituency in Lagos State, shared: “I do rise to urge the House to consider the report of the ad-hoc committee on the screening and confirmation of the acting Chief of Army Staff.
“On November 26, 2024, the parliament graciously appointed us to screen the Acting Army Chief.
“We did that yesterday (Wednesday). We reviewed his CV and questioned him on various issues which included inter-agency synergy, and civilian-military relationships.
“Our observation is that, General Olufemi Oluyede is fit and proper as he gave a very good account of himself.
“The conclusion is that, this House should approve this new position and confirm General Oluyede as the new Chief of Army Staff.”
The report reads: “The nominee (Gen. Oluyede) reiterated his vast experience in war and negotiation skills having served in critical war zones.
He informed the ad-hoc committee that he was exposed to war situations similar to what exists in Nigeria today and pledged to bring all these experiences to bear in the performance of his duties when confirmed as the Chief of Army Staff.
“Other areas covered during the screening include his strategic security knowledge and vision, funding, war on terror, insurgency and banditry, health and welfare of soldiers, military equipment and upgrade of security architecture.
“Also included were accountability and transparency in the use of public resources, internal security, recruitment, training and re-training, media relations and discipline in the Army”, Benson said.