Chief Of Army Staff: Reps Committee Grills Oluyede Behind Closed Door

The Acting Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, was on Wednesday questioned by the House of Representatives Joint Committee on Defence and Army behind closed-door as part of his confirmation process to become the substantive Chief of Army Staff.

Oluyede was appointed by President Bola Tinubu as the Acting COAS following the ill-health of his predecessor, Taoreed Lagbaja, who later passed away.

Naija News reported that President Tinubu had formally requested the House of Representatives to confirm Olufemi Oluyede as the substantive Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

The president’s request was conveyed in a letter read by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas during Tuesday’s plenary session.

The confirmation hearing began with a public session where Oluyede presented his credentials and responded to two initial questions before the committee moved into a private session for further discussions.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee on Defence emphasized that the focus of the hearing extends beyond reviewing the nominee’s background.

Instead, the committee aims to evaluate his strategic vision for improving Nigeria’s security landscape.

“The task before us today is not only to assess the qualifications and vision of the nominee for Chief of Army Staff but also to establish a collaborative roadmap for tackling Nigeria’s security challenges. As a partner in the pursuit of a secure and prosperous Nigeria, this House remains steadfast in its commitment to legislative oversight and support for the Armed Forces,” the chairman stated.