Senate Screens Acting Chief Of Army Staff, Oluyede Behind Closed Doors

The Senate, on Wednesday, conducted a closed-door screening of the acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.

The screening was conducted by the Senate Committee on the Army, chaired by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, in Room 211 of the Senate New Building.

The exercise follows President Bola Tinubu’s letter to the Senate on Tuesday, nominating Oluyede for confirmation as Chief of Army Staff.

In his opening remarks, Yar’Adua emphasized the critical role of the National Assembly in ensuring peace, order, and good governance, particularly in the realm of national security.

“This screening exercise is a demonstration of our commitment to uphold the laws of the Federation and the constitutional principles guiding national security,” Yar’Adua stated.

Yar’Adua highlighted Nigeria’s pressing security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency, and other criminal activities while commending the armed forces for their efforts in addressing these issues.

“This screening aims to evaluate the nominee’s professional skills, strategic security vision, and ability to address the country’s pressing security issues. We will also assess his proposals for improving military funding and the welfare of personnel,” he added.

Due to the sensitive nature of the deliberations, the committee resolved to hold the screening behind closed doors. Yar’Adua urged the nominee to share his vision of strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and enhancing the military’s capacity to handle internal and external threats.

“The security of our nation is paramount, and this exercise will provide an opportunity to chart a path forward under the leadership of the nominee,” Yar’Adua said.

The committee is expected to submit its report and recommendations to the Senate for further legislative action.