President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated new Service Chiefs, and the Senate has begun their screening. The nominees, along with their families and top military officers, entered the Senate chamber for the session.
Senator Basheer Lado, Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), led the delegation into the chamber. To allow the entry of guests and form a Committee of the Whole for screening, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved a motion to suspend Order 12. Deputy Minority Leader Osita Ngwu seconded the motion.
The nominees include Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff; Major-General Waheedi Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff; Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke, Chief of Air Staff; and Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, Chief of Naval Staff.
Before the process began, Senator Bamidele proposed that General Oluyede serve as “class captain” for the screening since the Senate had already screened him for the Chief of Army Staff position.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio supported the idea. He said it was fitting to let Oluyede share his experiences as COAS and his vision as CDS. Senator Ngwu seconded the motion.
Oluyede took the podium and described his time as Chief of Army Staff as both demanding and rewarding.
On the challenges faced, he said: “We know the resources are not enough. The enablers are not enough. It makes it difficult to prosecute the fight against bandits and terrorists.”
He emphasized the need for Nigeria to manufacture its own weapons and military equipment, reducing reliance on expensive imports. He also urged the strengthening of the Nigeria Police Force to enable the military to focus on its primary role.
“At present, the military is doing some of the work the police are supposed to do,” he said.
Since Oluyede had already been confirmed previously, Senate President Akpabio asked senators to let him take a bow. The senators agreed.
