Kehinde Fajobi
The House of Representatives joint committee on army and defence began screening Oluyede Oluyede, the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
This followed President Bola Tinubu’s request to both the Senate and House of Representatives for the confirmation of Oluyede as the substantive COAS.
Tinubu had appointed Oluyede as acting COAS on October 30, after the prolonged illness of the former army chief, Taoreed Lagbaja.
Lagbaja passed away on November 5 from an undisclosed illness, prompting the president to promote Oluyede to the rank of lieutenant-general.
Prior to his appointment, Oluyede had served as the 56th commander of the infantry corps in Kaduna State.
He was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1992 and became a major general in September 2020.
Oluyede and Lagbaja were coursemates in the 39th regular course.
During his address to lawmakers, Oluyede highlighted his over 30 years of service to the nation.
He said, “My exposure to national security issues in junior, middle and senior career has prepared me adequately for the assignment.”
He added, “In the past five years, I have served at the senior and management level in the Nigerian Army and I have somewhat been part of the running of the service in its entirety, thus I cannot completely dissolve myself from the successes and setbacks of our great army.”
Oluyede described his nomination as “a privilege and opportunity to be in the driver’s seat to make positive changes to the Nigerian Army to enable it to fulfil its constitutional responsibility.”
Babajimi Benson, chairman of the defence committee, emphasised that the COAS must lead with integrity and prioritise the welfare of troops.
Following Oluyede’s address, the lawmakers moved into an executive session.
Oluyede was accompanied by Christopher Musa, chief of defence staff, and other senior military officers for the screening.