The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Major General Waheedi Shaibu as the new Chief of Army Staff, directed him to “take a bow” and assume office immediately.
His confirmation came shortly after the upper chamber also cleared General Olufemi Oluyede as the Chief of Defence Staff, signaled the formal commencement of the screening and approval process for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s newly appointed service chiefs.
The exercise, held at the National Assembly complex in Abuja under tight security, involved both open and closed-door sessions as lawmakers vetted the nominees’ credentials, professional records, and national service track records.
Other senior officers confirmed during the session include Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff and Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke as Chief of Air Staff.
Presiding over the proceedings, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the screening as a constitutional duty and a reaffirmation of the legislature’s commitment to ensuring that only the most competent and patriotic officers lead the nation’s armed forces.
“The Senate takes this responsibility seriously. Our duty is to confirm only those who possess the experience, discipline, and dedication required to defend Nigeria and uphold its unity,” Akpabio stated.
During the confirmation, Senator Isah Jubrin (Kogi East) commended Shaibu’s leadership qualities, described him as “the right man for the job.”
“I have known him for 30 years; he is humble, committed, and takes his job seriously. I believe he has what it takes to move Nigeria beyond its current security challenges,” Jubrin said.
The confirmation of the service chiefs mark a major milestone in President Tinubu’s ongoing effort to restructure and strengthen Nigeria’s defence architecture, ensuring renewed coordination and professionalism across the armed forces.
