By Emmanuel Kwada
President Bola Tinubu has officially submitted a request to the Senate for the confirmation of Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS). This letter was presented during the Senate’s plenary session on Tuesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Lieutenant General Oluyede has been fulfilling the role of acting Chief of Army Staff since his appointment on October 30, following the serious illness of his predecessor, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja. General Lagbaja passed away on November 5 and has since been laid to rest in Abuja.
In his letter, President Tinubu referenced the legal provisions under section 218(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act to justify the appointment. The President expressed confidence in Oluyede’s qualifications, stating that his contributions to the military highlight his capability to effectively lead the Nigerian Army during crucial times for national security.
The army chief’s leadership qualities, professional integrity, and well-rounded experience make him well-suited for the role
“The army chief’s leadership qualities, professional integrity, and well-rounded experience make him well-suited for the role,” said presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga. Following the letter’s reading, the Senate referred the matter to the Senate Committee on Army for review and subsequent reporting.
Before his elevation to acting COAS, Oluyede was serving as the 56th Commander of the Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, stationed in Jaji, Kaduna. He began his military career as a second lieutenant in 1992, achieving the rank of Major General in September 2020. His extensive service history includes various command positions from Company Commander to Staff Officer, and he has participated in multiple significant military operations, namely the ECOMOG Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the North East.
Oluyede has earned numerous awards throughout his career, including the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star
Lieutenant General Oluyede has earned numerous awards throughout his career, including the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, and the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award, reinforcing his dedication and effectiveness in the military field.
As the Senate moves forward with this crucial confirmation process, the military and the nation await the outcome that could impact Nigeria’s security landscape amidst ongoing challenges.
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