Reps confirm Oluyede as Chief of Army Staff

The House of Representatives on Thursday confirmed Lit-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede as the substantive Chief of Army Staff.

This followed his screening on Wednesday by the Joint Committees on Defence and Army.

The committee’s Chairman, Babajimi Benson, submitted the report during plenary and urged the House to confirm Oluyede; a prayer granted at the session presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu.

Giving a synopsis of the report, Benson, who represents the Ikorodu Federal Constituency in Lagos State, said, “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.”

Before putting the question before his colleagues, the Deputy Speaker said, “There is only one recommendation in this report.
“That recommendation says that the ad-hoc committee carefully and thoroughly engaged with the nominee for the position of the Chief of Army Staff and was satisfied with his academic and professional qualifications, exposure, character, conduct, experience and general performance.
“The ad-hoc committee also observed that the nominee displayed wide and in-depth knowledge of strategies and tactics during his acting capacity. The committee hereby recommend that General Oluyede be confirmed as Chief of Army Staff.”

Kalu then asked, “Carried?” to which lawmakers present responded in the affirmative.

The report obtained by our correspondent noted, “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.”

Oluyede was first appointed as the acting COAS following the ill-health and subsequent death of ex-Army chief, Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, earlier in November 2024.
With his confirmation, Oluyede becomes the 24th Chief of Army Staff.