Senate begins screening of new Service Chiefs

The Senate on Wednesday commenced the screening of the newly appointed Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lt.-General Olufemi Oluyede, and other service chiefs nominated by President Bola Tinubu.

The exercise began at exactly 12:46 p.m. when General Oluyede and the newly appointed service chiefs were ushered into the Red Chamber for formal interaction with lawmakers.

Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), had initially moved a motion suggesting that General Oluyede be exempted from screening since he had earlier been confirmed as Chief of Army Staff.

However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio overruled the motion, insisting that the nominee must address senators afresh given his new position.

“Since he is being appointed into a new position, it is pertinent for him to speak to senators about himself, his career and his experience so far, especially as Chief of Army Staff,” Akpabio ruled.

At the session were Chief of Army Staff, Major-General Waheedi Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke. The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General Emmanuel Undiendeye, and Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, were also present.

More details to come…