Senate Schedules Screening of New Service Chiefs for Wednesday
The Nigerian Senate will on Wednesday begin the screening of the newly appointed service chiefs nominated by President Bola Tinubu. The screening is part of the ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to restructure and strengthen the country’s security system. The announcement was made after a letter from the President was read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary.
In the letter, President Tinubu requested the lawmakers to give speedy approval to the nominations to ensure a smooth continuation of national security operations. The appointments followed a major reshuffle within the military leadership aimed at improving coordination and response to insecurity across the country.
The President nominated General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff. Major General Waheedi Shaibu was named Chief of Army Staff, while Rear Admiral Idi Abbas was appointed as the Chief of Naval Staff. For the Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke was appointed as the Chief of Air Staff, and Major General Emmanuel Undiendeye was announced as the Chief of Defence Intelligence.
Senate President Akpabio referred the request to the Committee of the Whole, meaning all senators will participate in the screening and confirmation process rather than a smaller committee. The session is set to take place on Wednesday at the National Assembly.
This development comes just two days after President Tinubu met with the new service chiefs behind closed doors at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The meeting was reported to be the President’s first official engagement with the appointees since the announcement of the leadership change last Friday.
According to the Presidency, the shake-up is part of the ongoing reforms to reinforce the nation’s security structure and strengthen the fight against challenges such as insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence. The Federal Government believes that new leadership will help improve inter-agency cooperation and operational strategy.
President Tinubu also expressed gratitude to the outgoing military chiefs, particularly the former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for their service. He praised their leadership and contributions to national security during their time in office.
The government hopes that the new appointments, once confirmed, will mark a fresh start in tackling insecurity and promoting stability across Nigeria, with emphasis on professionalism, discipline, and unity within the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
