…Tinubu Orders Military to End Insecurity
The Nigerian Senate on Thursday screened and confirmed the appointments of four new service chiefs for them to immediately assume office.
The confirmation followed an intensive screening session at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, where lawmakers assessed the nominees’ readiness to tackle the country’s worsening security challenges.
The newly confirmed military chiefs are General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Waheedi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff, and Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke as Chief of Air Staff.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who presided over the session, described the confirmation as a constitutional duty aimed at strengthening national security leadership.
“The Senate has carried out its responsibility with due diligence,” he said, adding that the screening ensured that “only capable and patriotic officers” are entrusted with the nation’s defence architecture.
Akpabio noted that the Senate rescheduled the screening, initially planned for next week, to allow the new appointees to assume duty without delay. “The adjustment was necessary to facilitate a smooth transition,” he stated.
During the screening, Senator Isah Jubrin expressed strong confidence in Major General Shaibu’s capacity to deliver on his mandate.
He said, “I have known Major General Shaibu for 30 years. He is a humble and dedicated officer who has the potential to help Nigeria overcome its current challenges.”
Following their confirmation, the new service chiefs were directed to “take a bow” and proceed immediately to their respective offices.
Shortly after the confirmation, President Tinubu decorated the Service Chiefs at a ceremony held at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The event was attended by top government officials, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Ahmed Lawan, Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila, several state governors, ministers, and senior military officers.
Addressing the service chiefs, President Tinubu urged them to act decisively against terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities nationwide.
“We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer. I charge you, as the heads of our nation’s armed forces, to carry out your duties with patriotic zeal. Nigerians expect results, not excuses,” the President said.
He urged the commanders to adopt new strategies and utilize technology in confronting emerging security threats.
“Security threats are constantly evolving and mutating. Of grave concern to our administration is the recent emergence of new armed groups in the North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South. We must not allow these new threats to fester. We must be decisive and proactive. Let us smash the new snakes right in the head,” he declared.
President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting the armed forces with resources and logistics to ensure success in their operations. “I promise to provide all the support you need to get the job done,” he assured.
Commending the military for its sacrifices, Tinubu said, “Over the years, our military has remained steadfast in defending our nation’s territorial integrity, with many soldiers paying the supreme price for their service. Their sacrifices will not be in vain. We have restored peace to many areas previously under siege, rescued countless kidnapped citizens, and significantly diminished the capacity of terror groups.”
The President also emphasised the need for synergy and cooperation among the Service Chiefs.
“I advise you to work together as a team. Compare notes, exchange information effectively, and follow up proactively to ensure a seamless process. Work with other security agencies and defeat this enemy once and for all. We need to clean them up, clear them out,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the new military heads, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, thanked President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in them and promised to justify the trust.
“Security should be our business, but without the support of Nigerians, we can hardly achieve anything. I want to encourage Nigerians of all ethnicities to support us, and ultimately, we will make Nigeria a safer place. That’s our promise to you,” Oluyede said.
At the ceremony, the newly promoted officers were decorated with their ranks. General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Waheedi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff, and Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke as Chief of Air Staff. The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye, was also among those decorated.
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