New Service Chiefs pledge to rejig national security architecture

…Nigerians expect results despite evolving security threats  – Hon. Benso

The newly appointed Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede and Chief of Army Staff, Major General Waidi Shuaibu on Wednesday pledged resolve towards rejigging the nation’s security architecture on assumption of office.

The Service Chiefs nominees gave the assurance during the screening held at the instance of the House of Representatives’ joint Committees on Defence, Army, Navy and Air Force.

Other Service Chief nominees who were screened by the joint Committees are: Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal S. K. Aneke and Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral I. Abbas.

In his address, Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede who was confirmed as the 19th Chief of the Defence Staff of the Armed Force of Nigeria, averred that the recent changes in the top hierarchy by President Tinubu provides an opportunity to “rejig the security architecture of our beloved country.

“I am grateful to Mr. President for appointing me as the 24th Chief of Army Staff which was confirmed by this esteemed Assembly on the 3rd of December, 2024.

“I have been at the helms of affairs of the Nigerian Army for over one year now, and I’m able to state that under my watch, the Nigerian Army made significant administrative and operational achievements.

“As underscored in my CV, I have served this great nation as an officer of Nigerian Army for over three decades. My exposure to national security issues at the junior, middle, and senior cadres of the military profession, and ultimately at the 24th Chief of Army Staff has prepared me adequately for this assignment that I am being screened for today.

“Of significant to the fact that in the past six years, I have operated at the senior operational and management levels of Nigerian Army, and by extension, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and I have been somewhat part of the running of the services. Thus, I cannot completely distance myself from the successes or setbacks of our great Army in the past couple of years.

“However, I see my nomination as Chief of the First Army as a privileged opportunity to be in the driver’s seat and bring about more positive changes to the Nigerian Army and Armed Forces to enable it to function optimally in line with the dictates of our Constitution.

“Thus, if confirmed by this Joint Army Committee and given the uncommon mandate to lead Nigerian Forces, during this period, I shall do my utmost best to justify the confidence reposed in me by my appointed authority, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Grand Commander of the Order of Federal Republic, my confirming authority, you members of the House of Representatives, and the generality of Nigerians.”

He also underscored that the security environment we find ourselves in today requires a united effort on the part of every Nigerian, strong bilateral and multilateral alliances between our country and our neighbors, as well as deep collaboration and jointness by all the Services.

“I am glad that the administration of His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu is on the right path to providing the enabling security environment for socio-economic activities and endeavors to thrive and restore our dear country to the path of pride and success.

“I am honored to be considered worthy to play a part in these efforts, and I look forward to contributing my utmost best by working with the National Assembly and other stakeholders in bringing lasting peace to the land and breadth of our dear country, Nigeria.”

He also assured the lawmakers to sustain the notable programmes we have achieved and improved on those that might warrant some refinement due to changes in the political security and economic landscape.

“I also plan to devote my effort to improving the welfare of the personnel, I repeat, I have every plan to improve the welfare and well-being of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and their families.

“Well, I understand the power of the Force and the significance of the National Assembly regarding appropriation and oversight. I plan to work with this all-important committee on Defence, Army, Navy, and Air Force, and other critical Committees and stakeholders to secure the resources needed to drive my agenda and programmes.”

In his remarks, Chief of Army Staff nominee, Major General Waidi Shuaibu who has spent about three decades in the security circle, holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering, three different Master’s degrees in Public Administration, Strategic Studies, and Security Strategic Studies as well as diploma in International Security and Combating Terrorism was involved in a number of expected imperialist military operations, that sparked an effect and threat of this country.

As Commander. Joint Task Force, of East Operations, he was “able to rescue the teachable girls from terrorist enclave and neutralize a lot of terrorist commanders.

“Precisely, with my wealth of experience in combating oppressions across the length and breadth of this country, I intend to indeed inject new vigor and vigor into our training in preparing our troops for the roles they are about to play,” he noted.

He therefore pleaded commitment to troops warfare, and build on the legacy of his predecessor by ensuring that troops get what is due to them properly.

“With this, I sincerely hope that when we take our security architecture, we will create an enabling environment for socio-economic activities to thrive, and our people will move freely to our country,” Major General Shuaibu pledged.

Speaking earlier, Chairman, House Committee on Defence, Hon. Babajimi Benson described the screening of the Service Chiefs nominees as an important constitutional exercise.

“The screening of the newly appointed service chiefs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has represented the Nigerian people, the Nigerian Assembly, the National Assembly, and in particular the House of Reps, is vested by the 1999 Constitution as amended with the responsibility of providing legislative oversight over the executive law of government.

“One of the ways this responsibility is discharged is through the confirmation of key appointments, such as those of the chief of the Defence Staff and other Service Chiefs. The process is not merely ceremonial. It’s a critical mechanism for ensuring accountability, transparency, and public confidence in our initial security issues.”

According to him, the screening exercise provides opportunities for the House to ascertain the professional competence, integrity, integrity, vision, and readiness of the Nominees to lead the Armed Forces in addressing the Nigerian complex security challenges.

“Our country today faces evolving threats, from terrorism and banishment to emerging forms of cyber and maritime insecurity. Nigerians expect results, and we in the House of Representatives share that expectation.

“Therefore, this screening exercise offers an opportunity to interact candidly with the Nominees, ascertain their understanding of the current security landscape, and hear their strategic plans for restoring peace and stability across the Federation.

“To our nominees, I urge you to approach this engagement with openness and clarity.

“The Committee looks forward to your insights, your priorities, your new ideas, and how you will break safe to bear in digging and measuring women in uniform with courage and professionalism.”

While noting that the Committee has been very thoughtful, thorough, and objective, he stressed that the ultimate goal “is to ensure that only the most capable and visionary leaders are confirmed to serve the nation at this critical time. We are partners in progress, united by a shared commitment to Nigeria’s security, peace, and prosperity.”

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