Tinubu Seeks Senate’s Confirmation of Lt. Gen. Oluyede as Chief of Army Staff
President Bola Tinubu has formally written to the Senate, requesting the confirmation of Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the substantive Chief of Army Staff. This development was disclosed on Friday in a statement by the President’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.
The President’s request aligns with Section 218(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act, underscoring the legal framework guiding such appointments. A similar letter was sent to the House of Representatives, addressed to Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
Lieutenant General Oluyede had been serving as the Acting Chief of Army Staff since October 30, following the incapacitation of the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who succumbed to illness on November 5. In his letter, President Tinubu expressed confidence in Oluyede’s leadership abilities, professional integrity, and vast experience, emphasizing his potential to steer the Nigerian Army towards ensuring national security and stability.
Prior to his acting appointment, Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna. A member of the Nigerian Army’s 39th Regular Course, Oluyede was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992, with an effective enlistment date in 1987. His career trajectory saw him attain the rank of Major-General in September 2020.
A Distinguished Military Career
Throughout his military service, Oluyede has held several significant command and staff positions. He began his career as a Platoon Commander and Adjutant at 65 Battalion and later served as a Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion. His administrative acumen was evident during his tenure as a Staff Officer in the Guards Brigade and as Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.
Oluyede also demonstrated exceptional leadership in various operational capacities. He participated in international peacekeeping missions, including the ECOMOG operations in Liberia and Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi. Domestically, he played a crucial role in counter-insurgency efforts, notably as the Commander of the 27 Task Force Brigade in Operation HADIN KAI, aimed at combating insurgency in Nigeria’s North East.
Senate’s Decision Pending
The Senate, led by President Godswill Akpabio, is expected to deliberate on the President’s nomination in the coming days. If confirmed, Lieutenant General Oluyede will assume full responsibilities as the substantive Chief of Army Staff, a position crucial for maintaining the operational effectiveness and morale of the Nigerian Army.
This appointment reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to consolidating the leadership of the nation’s armed forces amidst evolving security challenges. The decision now rests with the legislature to affirm the President’s choice.
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