Shaibu confirmed shortly after new CDS approval
The Senate of Nigeria on Wednesday confirmed Major General Waheedi Shaibu as the new Chief of Army Staff, instructing him to “take a bow” and assume office immediately.
The confirmation came barely an hour after the upper chamber approved General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, marking the start of the screening and approval process for President Bola Tinubu’s newly appointed service chiefs.
The exercise was conducted at the National Assembly complex in Abuja under tight security, with senators holding both open and closed-door sessions to evaluate the qualifications, competence, and leadership potential of the nominees.
Senate emphasizes constitutional duty and security
Presiding over the session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the confirmation process as a constitutional duty, aimed at ensuring that only capable, patriotic officers are entrusted with the nation’s security leadership.
“There is no need to ask them too many questions because we will be having a closed-door session with them,” Akpabio said, emphasizing efficiency while maintaining thorough scrutiny.
The Senate President further noted that the exercise was critical to maintaining national security continuity, as newly appointed chiefs must be ready to address ongoing security challenges without delay.
Lawmakers express confidence in Shaibu
Several senators expressed confidence in Shaibu’s ability to lead the Nigerian Army. Senator Isah Jubrin, representing Kogi East, noted his personal familiarity with Shaibu, having known him for three decades.
“The officer is well known to me. I have known him for 30 years. Shaibu is humble and takes his job very seriously. I want to believe that is an asset,” Jubrin said. “I believe he has what it takes to move Nigeria out of the challenges the country is experiencing today.”
Such endorsements underscore Shaibu’s reputation for professionalism, integrity, and commitment—qualities deemed essential for navigating Nigeria’s current security landscape.
President Tinubu’s appointments
President Bola Tinubu had written to the Senate requesting the screening and confirmation of the newly appointed service chiefs. His letter, read by Akpabio on Tuesday, listed the following appointments:
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Chief of Defence Staff: General Olufemi Oluyede
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Chief of Army Staff: Major General Waheedi Shaibu
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Chief of Naval Staff: Rear Admiral Idi Abbas
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Chief of Air Staff: Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke
Following the letter, Akpabio referred the nominations to the committee of the whole for screening and confirmation.
Accelerated screening schedule
Originally planned for the following week, the Senate rescheduled the screening to Wednesday, October 29, to ensure that the new military chiefs could assume their duties without delay. Akpabio emphasized that the adjustment was necessary to allow a smooth transition in military leadership and to prevent any vacuum in the command structure.
The confirmations mark a significant step in President Tinubu’s efforts to restructure Nigeria’s military leadership, with an emphasis on experienced and capable officers capable of addressing the country’s evolving security challenges.
Preparing for immediate assumption of duties
With the confirmation complete, Major General Shaibu and other newly appointed service chiefs are expected to take up their responsibilities immediately. Observers note that their leadership will be critical in shaping national security policy, coordinating defense operations, and strengthening the overall efficiency of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
