The Senate will on Wednesday begin the screening of the newly appointed service chiefs nominated by President Bola Tinubu, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security system.
President Tinubu’s letter requesting approval for the new military heads was read during Tuesday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The President asked the lawmakers to consider the appointments without delay.
The nominees include General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, 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.
The Senate referred the list to the Committee of the Whole, which will handle the screening and confirmation process.The screening comes two days after President Tinubu met privately with the new service chiefs at the Presidential Villa, marking his first official meeting with them since the major shake-up in the military leadership.
According to the Presidency, the leadership change is part of the administration’s broader plan to improve national security coordination and performance. The President also commended the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and other retired officers for their years of loyal service to the nation.
Tinubu tasked the incoming service chiefs to maintain discipline, strengthen cooperation among the military branches, and work closely to combat terrorism, banditry, and other security threats facing the country.
Once confirmed, the new security chiefs are expected to drive reforms aimed at restoring public trust and improving the effectiveness of Nigeria’s defence operations nationwide.