The Nigerian Senate has screened the acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, behind closed doors.
It was learnt that the Senate Committee on the Army, chaired by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, conducted the screening in Room 211 of the Senate New Building at the National Assembly Complex on Wednesday.
Senator Yar’Adua welcomed committee members and stakeholders, emphasizing the significance of the screening as a critical legislative function.
He referenced the letter from President Bola Tinubu presented to the Senate last Tuesday, nominating Oluyede for confirmation as the Chief of Army Staff.
“The National Assembly is constitutionally vested with the power to ensure peace, order, and good governance of the country.
“This screening exercise is a demonstration of our commitment to uphold the laws of the Federation and the constitutional principles guiding national security,” Yar’Adua stated.
Highlighting the importance of the exercise, Yar’Adua acknowledged the complex security challenges facing Nigeria, including terrorism, insurgency, and other criminal activities.
He commended the armed forces for their sacrifices and successes in curbing these threats.
“This screening aims to evaluate the nominee’s professional skills, strategic security vision, and ability to address the country’s pressing security issues. We will also assess his proposals for improving military funding and the welfare of personnel,” he added.
Yar’Adua, however, explained that due to the sensitive nature of the deliberations, the screening would be conducted behind closed doors.
The lawmaker urged the nominee to share his vision for strengthening Nigeria’s security sector and enhancing its capacity to address internal and external threats freely.
The committee, thereafter, resolved into a closed-door session for the screening.
The committee is expected to submit its report and recommendations to the Senate following the deliberations.