The Nigerian Senate says it has received formal communication from President Bola Tinubu seeking confirmation of the newly appointed service chiefs.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the president’s letter during Tuesday’s plenary session.
According to the correspondence, President Tinubu nominated Major 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, Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Major General Emmanuel Undiendeye as Chief of Defence Intelligence.
The president urged the Senate to give what he described as “expeditious consideration” to the nominations.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio referred the request to the Committee of the Whole for screening and confirmation.
He told senators that the process should be conducted without delay to prevent gaps in the leadership of the armed forces.
He said, “I plead with distinguished senators to reconsider. If it is agreed by the Senate, I would like to do it tomorrow so that they can go straight and start work — so we don’t leave any gap in security.”
The motion was subjected to a voice vote, and the lawmakers unanimously agreed to proceed with the screening.
The confirmation exercise is also expected to take place on Wednesday.
