Senate Examines Oluyede Behind Closed Doors, Set To Confirm Him

The Senate has screened the acting Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede for appointment as the substantive COAS in a closed door session, just as there are strong indications that he will be confirmed today (Wednesday).

Addressing journalists shortly before the doors of the meeting venue were shut, Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua, APC, Katsina Central said that the Army Chief was being screened in closed session for security reasons.

Yar’adua who noted that the screening and legal confirmation process of nominees form an important part in legislative engagement, said that Senate at its sitting on Tuesday, read the request of the President, seeking the confirmation of Oluyede’s appointment as Chief of Army Staff.

The Chairman, who noted the National Assembly remained the only arm of Government vested with powers to make for peace, order and good governance of the country, said, “As a result, the Parliament must be seen to respect and take active notice of and uphold any law relating to national legislation, institutional provision and judicial pronouncement made by court of competent action in matters affecting the nation.

He said there is no doubt that security sector governance seeks to establish standards that enhance both state and human security.

“This is in order to ensure efficiency and drive effectiveness of institutions and their operators in fulfilling their respective roles and responsibilities in the spirit and culture of service.

“It is a known fact that our nation is currently bedeviled with multiplicity of security challenges requiring cogent and urgent solutions.

“May I however, commend the gallantry of the Officers and Men of the AFN for the success recorded so far in the war against terror, curtailing of insurgency and other criminalities within the Country, even to the laying down of their lives.

“This screening exercise intends to bring to bear your professional skills, experiences and expertise based on your strategic security knowledge and vision towards defending Nigeria from external aggression.

“This is being done through maintaining its territorial integrity: securing its borders from violation on land suppressing insurrection and acting in aid of civil authorities to restore order among others.

“Furthermore, your abilities to offer proposal towards finding solutions for military funding and welfare of personnel will be of interest to this Committee.”