The Acting Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, appeared before the House of Representatives Joint Committees on Defence and Army at the National Assembly on Wednesday for screening to confirm his position as the substantive COAS.
During the session, Oluyede assured the committees that, if confirmed, he would work towards enhancing Nigeria’s security to achieve lasting peace.
He emphasized the need for unity among Nigerians to address the country’s security challenges, advocating for stronger collaborations with neighboring countries and joint efforts among the military and other security agencies.
Oluyede expressed his honour at being considered for the position, acknowledging the tragic passing of the 23rd COAS, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, according to Nigerian Tribune.
He highlighted that, following Lagbaja’s death, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had nominated him to continue the Army’s work in the role.
With over 30 years of service in the Nigerian Army, Oluyede pointed to his experience at various levels of the military, particularly in senior operational and management roles, as preparation for the position. He expressed confidence in his ability to lead the Army and implement positive changes to enhance its ability to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities.
Oluyede also highlighted the importance of acquiring tactical aircraft to optimize military operations, emphasizing that such support would be vital at the tactical level, with the Nigerian Air Force complementing operations through strategic coverage.
“I am honoured this evening to be considered worthy to play a part in these efforts and I look forward to contributing my utmost best by working with the National Assembly and other stakeholders in bringing lasting peace to the length and breadth of our dear country Nigeria.
“I humbly appear before you today to be confirmed as the 24th Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army simply because tragedy befell our Army and Armed Force, and as a nation in total when the 23rd Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja passed after a brief illness.
“Although before his passing, I had been appointed by Mr President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed, to act in his place pending his expected full recovery and resumption of duty as the Chief of Army Staff then.
“Thus, if confirmed by this joint committee and given the common mandate to lead the Nigerian Army during this period, I promise to do my best to justify the confidence imposed in me by the appointing authority which is His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the confirming authority which is you members of the National Assembly and the generality of Nigerians.”
In response, Hon. Babajimi Benson, Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, noted the evolving nature of Nigeria’s security challenges, from insurgency and banditry to cyber threats and communal conflicts. Benson acknowledged the military’s efforts over the past decade but stressed that more work was needed to achieve sustainable peace.
Benson emphasized the importance of adapting to changing global security dynamics, which now extend beyond traditional battlefields to cyberspace and economic domains. He reassured Oluyede of the House’s ongoing support in providing the necessary legal frameworks, adequate funding, and oversight for the military.
He reminded Oluyede that the role of Chief of Army Staff carries immense responsibility, urging him to prioritize collaboration among security agencies, the welfare of troops, and the trust of Nigerians. Benson concluded by wishing Oluyede success in the screening process, highlighting the crucial role the COAS will play in Nigeria’s pursuit of lasting peace and stability.
