The Nigerian Senate has confirmed Major General Waheedi Shaibu as the new Chief of Army Staff, marking a key step in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent appointment of new military service chiefs.
The confirmation was conducted during Wednesday’s plenary session at the National Assembly in Abuja, where senators directed Shaibu to “take a bow” and assume duty immediately. His confirmation came shortly after the Senate approved General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff.
The exercise, which took place under tight security, involved both open and closed-door sessions. Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the confirmation process as a constitutional responsibility aimed at ensuring that only qualified and patriotic officers lead the nation’s defence institutions.
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“There is no need to ask too many questions because we will be having a closed-door session with them,” Akpabio stated.
Senator Isah Jubrin, representing Kogi East, expressed confidence in Shaibu’s leadership qualities, noting that he had known the officer for over three decades. “Shaibu is humble and highly disciplined. I believe he has what it takes to move Nigeria forward in addressing its security challenges,” he said.
President Tinubu had earlier written to the Senate requesting the screening and confirmation of the new service chiefs, including General Olufemi Oluyede (Chief of Defence Staff), Major General Waheedi Shaibu (Chief of Army Staff), Rear Admiral Idi Abbas (Chief of Naval Staff), and Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke (Chief of Air Staff).
Originally scheduled for next week, the Senate brought forward the screening to Wednesday, October 29, to enable the new military chiefs to resume their duties without delay.
