The Senate has rescheduled the screening of Nigeria’s newly appointed Service Chiefs to Wednesday, October 29, moving it forward from the previously planned date next week.
The announcement came after Senate President Godswill Akpabio read a letter from President Bola Tinubu requesting the confirmation of the new Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and other Service Chiefs during plenary on Tuesday.
Akpabio explained that the revised schedule was intended to allow the new military leaders to assume their duties promptly and ensure continuity in the country’s security operations.
President Tinubu’s letter cited Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, as the legal basis for the nominations. He urged the Senate to expedite the confirmation process to maintain effective coordination within Nigeria’s security architecture.
Following the rescheduling, the Senate Committee of the Whole will conduct the screening exercise on Wednesday.
The move follows a recent major reshuffle by President Tinubu, which saw General Christopher Musa replaced by General Olufemi Oluyede, formerly Chief of Army Staff, as the new Chief of Defence Staff. Major-General Emmanuel Undiendeye was retained as Chief of Defence Intelligence.
In his correspondence, Tinubu emphasized the need for swift legislative approval, stating: “I am pleased to present for confirmation by the Senate the appointment of Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, and I hope the Senate will consider this request expeditiously.”
Akpabio referred the request to the Committee of the Whole and urged lawmakers to approve all newly appointed Service Chiefs, including the Chiefs of Army, Naval, and Air Staff, simultaneously to avoid any gaps 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,” Akpabio said.
The Senate approved the proposal by voice vote, ensuring that the screening will take place the next legislative day.
