The Senate, on Wednesday, confirmed Major General Waheedi Shaibu as the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS), directing him to “take a bow” and assume office immediately.
Shaibu’s confirmation came barely an hour after the upper chamber cleared General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), marking the commencement of the screening process for President Bola Tinubu’s nominees for positions of Service Chiefs.
The confirmation exercise, held at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, took place under tight security as Senators commenced a series of closed and open sessions to vet the nominees.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who presided over the session, said the exercise was a constitutional responsibility designed to ensure that only the most competent and patriotic officers are entrusted with the nation’s security.
“The screening is part of our constitutional duty,” Akpabio declared. “It is aimed at ensuring that only the most competent and patriotic officers are entrusted with safeguarding the nation. There is no need to ask them too many questions because we will be having a closed-door session with them.”
Akpabio explained that the Senate’s oversight responsibility includes guaranteeing discipline, professionalism, and accountability within the armed forces, adding that the chamber expected a constructive engagement that would strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
In a show of confidence, the lawmaker representing Kogi East, Senator Isah Jubrin, attested to Shaibu’s competence and character, describing him as the right man for the job.
“The officer is well known to me. I have known him for 30 years. Shaibu is humble and takes his job very seriously. I want to believe that is an asset,” he said. “I believe he has what it takes to move Nigeria out of the challenges the country is experiencing today.”
The screening and subsequent confirmation of Shaibu and Oluyede signalled the Senate’s readiness to fast-track the confirmation process of all Service Chiefs appointed by President Tinubu as part of his broader effort to reinvigorate Nigeria’s security leadership.
