House Screens Acting COAS Olufemi Oluyede

The House of Representatives has started screening Olufemi Oluyede, the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

This is according to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s letter to the House on Tuesday, requesting the confirmation of Oluyede as the substantive COAS. Oluyede was appointed acting COAS on October 30, after the prolonged illness of Taoreed Lagbaja, the former army chief.

Oluyede, prior to his appointment, served as the 56th commander of the Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army in Kaduna. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992 and rose to the rank of major general in September 2020. Oluyede and Lagbaja were coursemates in the 39th Regular Course.

During his speech, Oluyede highlighted his extensive experience, having served in the Nigerian Army for over 30 years.

“My exposure to national security issues in junior, middle, and senior career levels has prepared me adequately for this assignment,” he asserted. “In the past five years, I have served at the senior and management level in the Nigerian Army and have been involved in the operations of the service. I cannot entirely distance myself from the successes and setbacks of our great army.”

He relates his nomination as a privilege, viewing it as an opportunity to drive positive changes within the Nigerian Army to enable it to fulfil its constitutional responsibilities.

The chairman of the Defence Committee, Babajimi Benson, affirmed that the COAS must lead with honesty and prioritise the welfare of the troops.

Following Oluyede’s presentation, the legislatures proceeded to an executive session. The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and other senior military officers went with Oluyede during the examination.