Senate okays Shaibu as COAS, orders immediate resumption

The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Major-General Waheedi Shaibu as the new Chief of Army Staff and directed him to “take a bow” and assume duties without delay.

His confirmation came barely one hour after the upper chamber cleared General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, signalling the commencement of the screening of President Bola Tinubu’s newly-appointed service chiefs.

The exercise, conducted in both open and closed sessions, held under tight security at the National Assembly, Abuja.

Presiding, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the screening as a constitutional duty meant to ensure only the most competent and patriotic officers are placed in charge of the nation’s security architecture.

“We won’t ask too many questions in plenary as we will engage them behind closed doors,” he said.

Senator Isah Jubrin (Kogi East) vouched for Shaibu’s competence and character, saying the nominee is “humble, serious-minded and an asset” with the capacity to help the country navigate its current security challenges.

With the clearance of Shaibu and Oluyede, the Senate signalled readiness to fast-track the confirmation of all service chiefs nominated by President Tinubu as part of his broader security reforms.