Tinubu Seeks Senate’s Confirmation of New CDS, Other Service Chiefs

•Akpabio: They’ll be screened, approved today to prevent security gap 

•Defence minister meets new service chiefs

Sunday Aborisade and Linus Aleke in Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally requested Senate’s confirmation of the newly appointed military chiefs, including Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), urging the upper chamber to grant expeditious approval in the interest of national security and operational continuity.

In a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and read during plenary yesterday, the president said the nominations were made in accordance with the provisions of Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Tinubu wrote: “Distinguished Senate President, appointment of Chief of Defence Staff. In compliance with the provisions of Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004,  I am pleased to present for confirmation by the Senate the appointment of Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff.

“While I hope that the Senate will consider this request expeditiously, please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration and best regards.”

The president, had last week approved a sweeping reorganisation of the nation’s military hierarchy, appointing new service chiefs to drive his administration’s renewed security strategy amid escalating threats across the country.

The newly appointed officers include Major General Waheedi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff, Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Major General Emmanuel Undiendeye as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

After reading the President’s correspondence, Akpabio referred the request to the Committee of the Whole and proposed that the Senate screens and confirms all the nominees together today to ensure seamless leadership transition within the Armed Forces.

“Distinguished colleagues, this request is hereby referred to the Committee of the Whole for immediate consideration,” Akpabio said.

According to him, “In view of the appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff, I plead with Distinguished Senators to confirm them all at the same time. That is, the Chiefs of Army, Air, and Naval Staff, so that they can immediately resume work and ensure there is no gap in our security operations.”

The Senate unanimously adopted the motion through a voice vote, setting the stage for a collective confirmation of the top military appointments.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, yesterday, received the new Service Chiefs during their maiden courtesy visit to his office at the Ministry of Defence, Ship House, Abuja.

In a statement by his media aide, Mati Ali, the Minister revealed that in attendance were the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General O. O. Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Major General W. Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral I. Abbas; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal S. K. Aneke.

The visit, he said, underscored the Minister’s commitment to building a cohesive defence leadership anchored on trust, collaboration, and shared purpose.

 “It also kick-starts a renewed drive towards a unified strategy and decisive action in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and national interests under the guidance of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Ali stated.