The House of Representatives on Thursday confirmed the appointment of Nigeria’s new service chiefs after adopting the report of an ad-hoc committee led by Babajimi Benson, who represents the Ikorodu Federal Constituency.
On Wednesday, Benson’s committee—comprising the House Committees on Defence, Army, Navy, and Air Force—screened the four nominees: Olufemi Oluyede, Waidi Shuaibu, Sunday Aneke, and Idi Abbas. They were nominated by President Bola Tinubu to serve as Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff, and Chief of Naval Staff, respectively.
President Tinubu had announced the reshuffle in the nation’s security leadership last week. Some analysts linked the move to alleged coup rumours aimed at destabilising the Federal Government. The subsequent cancellation of the Independence Day military parade also fuelled speculation that the administration sought to prevent internal unrest within the armed forces.
However, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed the coup claims. He clarified in a statement that “Service chiefs can be hired and fired by the President. He is the Commander-in-Chief and holds the authority to appoint or remove them.”
During Thursday’s plenary, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, presided over the session in which the House unanimously adopted the committee’s report and confirmed the nominees.
The report stated:
“That the House considers the report of the Ad-hoc Committee on the screening of nominees for appointment as Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and approves the recommendations therein.
“That Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede be confirmed as Chief of Defence Staff of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, having successfully undergone the screening process.
“That Major General Waidi Shaibu be confirmed as Chief of Army Staff of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, having successfully undergone the screening process.
“That Rear Admiral Idi Abbas be confirmed as Chief of Naval Staff of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, having successfully undergone the screening process.
“That Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke be confirmed as Chief of Air Staff of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, having successfully undergone the screening process.”
Following a unanimous voice vote, the House approved the recommendations. The Deputy Speaker congratulated the new service chiefs and urged them to apply their expertise and experience to ensure the safety and security of Nigerians at all times.