By Paul Effiong, Abuja
House of Representatives yesterday confirmed Lieutenant-General Olufemi Oluyede as the substantive Chief of Army Staff, COAS.
It would be recalled that President Bola Tinubu had recently transmitted a letter to the National Assembly, requesting the screening and confirmation of Oluyede as substantive Chief of Army Staff after his appointment on acting capacity, following the death of Lieutenant-General Taoreed Lagbaja.
Oluyede’s confirmation followed a thorough screening by the Joint Committees on Army and Defence on Wednesday at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson, who headed the screening panel, reported that members were satisfied with his CV and military experience.
While submitting their report, he said they were thoroughly convinced during the screening exercise that Oyedele was the man for the work.
According to him, the panel had reviewed his CV, as well as raised pertinent questions which he answered satisfactorily.
The lawmaker submitted that “he gave a good account of himself. We recommend that this House do approve his confirmation.”
Meanwhile, when the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu put the question on whether the House wanted him for confirmation or not on voice vote, the “yays” had it.
While being screened on Wednesday, Oluyede had reiterated his commitment to end all forms of insecurity to pave way for lasting peace in Nigeria.
He also used the opportunity to call for strong bilateral and multilateral alliances with neighbouring countries, as well as deep collaboration and joint efforts by the services and other security agencies in the country.
