Senate Makes U-turn, Schedules Screening Of New Service Chiefs To Wednesday

The Senate has brought forward the screening of the newly appointed Service Chiefs to Wednesday, October 29, reversing its earlier decision to conduct the exercise next week.

The announcement came shortly after Senate President Godswill Akpabio read a correspondence from President Bola Tinubu seeking the confirmation of the appointment of the new Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the new Service Chiefs at plenary on Tuesday.

Akpabio explained that the change in schedule was necessary to enable the new military chiefs to assume duty without delay.

President Tinubu, in his letter, said the nomination was made in accordance with the provisions of Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

He urged the Senate to give expeditious consideration to the confirmation process to ensure continuity and effective coordination within the nation’s security architecture.

Following the revised schedule, the Senate Committee of the Whole is expected to conduct the screening exercise on Wednesday.

Recall that a few days ago, President Tinubu carried out a major reshuffle of the military hierarchy, removing General Christopher Musa and appointing General Olufemi Oluyede — a former Chief of Army Staff — as the new Chief of Defence Staff.

He, however, retained Major-General Emmanuel Undiendeye as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

In his correspondence to the Senate President, Tinubu emphasised the importance of swift legislative approval.

“I am pleased to present for confirmation by the Senate the appointment of Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, while I hope that the Senate will consider this request expeditiously. Please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration and best regards,” the letter read.

Akpabio referred the request to the Committee of the Whole for immediate consideration. He also appealed to Senators to fast-track the screening and confirmation of all newly appointed Service Chiefs — including the Chiefs of Army, Naval, and Air Staff — to prevent any gap in national security.

“Distinguished colleagues, in view of the appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff, I plead that we consider and clear all the Service Chiefs at the same time, so they can proceed to work without delay and ensure there is no gap in security,” Akpabio stated.

He then sought the consent of the Senate to take up the confirmation the next legislative day. “Is it the view of the Senate that this be taken tomorrow? Those in support say ‘aye,’ those against say ‘nay.’ The ayes have it,” Akpabio ruled.