BREAKING: Reps confirm Oluyede as COAS

The House of Representatives on Thursday confirmed the appointment of Olufemi Oluyede as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

While the constitution does not make provision for confirmation of appointments by the House of Representatives, the lawmakers adopted a report of its ad–hoc committee on the confirmation/screening of the Acting Chief of Army Staff and confirmed the appointment of Lieutenant General Oluyede as the Chief of Army Staff.

Chairman of the committee Babajimi Benson in presenting the report, said Lt. Gen. Oluyede had satisfied all requirements.

Giving a synopsis of the report, Benson, who represents the Ikorodu Federal Constituency in Lagos State, said, “I do rise to urge the House to consider the report of the ad-hoc committee on the screening and confirmation of the acting Chief of Army Staff.

“On November 26, 2024, the parliament graciously appointed us to screen the Acting Army Chief. We did that yesterday (Wednesday). We reviewed his CV and questioned him on various issues which included inter-agency synergy, and civilian-military relationships.

“Our observation is that General Olufemi Oluyede is fit and proper as he gave a very good account of himself. The conclusion is that this House should approve this new position and confirm General Oluyede as the new Chief of Army Staff.”

Before putting the question before his colleagues, the Deputy Speaker said, “There is only one recommendation in this report.

“That recommendation says that the ad-hoc committee carefully and thoroughly engaged with the nominee for the position of the Chief of Army Staff and was satisfied with his academic and professional qualifications, exposure, character, conduct, experience and general performance.

“The ad-hoc committee also observed that the nominee displayed wide and in-depth knowledge of strategies and tactics during his acting capacity. The committee hereby recommend that General Oluyede be confirmed as Chief of Army Staff.”

Kalu then asked, “Carried?” to which lawmakers present responded in the affirmative.

It would be recalled that President Bola Tinubu appointed Oluyede in an acting capacity in October following former army chief Taoreed Lagbaja’s illness.

Lagbaja later died on 5 November and has since been buried.