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Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, the acting Chief of Army Staff, was screened by the Senate in a closed session, paving the way for his potential confirmation as the full-fledged COAS. Sources close to the matter suggest that a confirmation is expected today (Wednesday).
Moments before the meeting doors were sealed, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua, the APC representative for Katsina Central and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, briefed journalists, noting that the Army Chief’s screening was taking place behind closed doors due to security concerns.
The Chairman, asserting that the National Assembly remains the only branch of government entrusted with the authority to safeguard the peace, order, and governance of the nation, noted, “Therefore, Parliament must ensure it respects, acknowledges, and upholds any law concerning national legislation, institutional mandates, and judicial pronouncements made by courts of competent jurisdiction on matters of national concern.”
He asserted unequivocally that security sector governance is intended to create standards that bolster both state stability and the protection of individuals.
“This is in order to ensure efficiency and drive effectiveness of institutions and their operators in fulfilling their respective roles and responsibilities in the spirit and culture of service.
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“It is a known fact that our nation is currently bedeviled with multiplicity of security challenges requiring cogent and urgent solutions.
“May I however, commend the gallantry of the Officers and Men of the AFN for the success recorded so far in the war against terror, curtailing of insurgency and other criminalities within the Country, even to the laying down of their lives.
“This screening exercise intends to bring to bear your professional skills, experiences and expertise based on your strategic security knowledge and vision towards defending Nigeria from external aggression.
“This is being done through maintaining its territorial integrity: securing its borders from violation on land suppressing insurrection and acting in aid of civil authorities to restore order among others.
“Furthermore, your abilities to offer proposal towards finding solutions for military funding and welfare of personnel will be of interest to this Committee.”
