The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday confirmed Major General Waheedi Shaibu as the new Chief of Army Staff, urging him to assume office immediately and bring renewed leadership to the nation’s military operations.
Shaibu’s confirmation came less than an hour after General Olufemi Oluyede was cleared as the Chief of Defence Staff, marking the start of the legislative screening for President Bola Tinubu’s newly appointed service chiefs. The exercise, held under tight security at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, included both open and closed-door sessions.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who presided over the plenary, explained that the screening was part of the Senate’s constitutional duty to ensure that only competent, disciplined, and patriotic officers are entrusted with the nation’s defence.
“There is no need to ask too many questions; we will have further deliberations in closed session,” Akpabio told lawmakers before calling for Shaibu’s confirmation.
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During the plenary, Senator Isah Jubrin of Kogi East expressed strong confidence in Shaibu’s capacity to lead. “I have known him for over 30 years. He is humble, intelligent, and committed to service. I believe he has what it takes to help Nigeria overcome its security challenges,” he said.
The confirmation of Shaibu and Oluyede underscores the Senate’s readiness to fast-track the screening and approval of all service chiefs appointed by President Tinubu as part of his broader effort to strengthen the military and restore stability across the country.
