House Of Reps Confirm Oluyede As Army Chief

The House of Representatives under the leadership of Tajudeen Abbas has confirmed Olufemi Oluyede as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

Naija News reports that Oluyede was confirmed as Army Chief after a report was presented by Babajimi Benson, chairman of the committee on defence.

The house of representatives joint committee on army and defence had screened Oluyede on Wednesday.

Oluyede was appointed by President Bola Tinubu as the Acting COAS following the ill-health of his predecessor, Taoreed Lagbaja, who later passed away.

Naija News reported that President Tinubu had formally requested the House of Representatives to confirm Olufemi Oluyede as the substantive Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

The president’s request was conveyed in a letter read by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas during Tuesday’s plenary session.

Giving a synopsis of the report, Benson, who represents the Ikorodu Federal Constituency in Lagos State, said, “I do rise to urge the House to consider the report of the ad-hoc committee on the screening and confirmation of the acting Chief of Army Staff.

“On November 26, 2024, the parliament graciously appointed us to screen the Acting Army Chief. We did that yesterday (Wednesday). We reviewed his CV and questioned him on various issues which included inter-agency synergy, and civilian-military relationships.

“Our observation is that General Olufemi Oluyede is fit and proper as he gave a very good account of himself. The conclusion is that this House should approve this new position and confirm General Oluyede as the new Chief of Army Staff.”

Before putting the question before his colleagues, the Deputy Speaker said, “There is only one recommendation in this report.

“That recommendation says that the ad-hoc committee carefully and thoroughly engaged with the nominee for the position of the Chief of Army Staff and was satisfied with his academic and professional qualifications, exposure, character, conduct, experience and general performance.

“The ad-hoc committee also observed that the nominee displayed wide and in-depth knowledge of strategies and tactics during his acting capacity. The committee hereby recommend that General Oluyede be confirmed as Chief of Army Staff.”

Kalu then asked, “Carried?” to which lawmakers present responded in the affirmative.