President Tinubu writes Senate seeking confirmation of new Service Chiefs

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally written to the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria requesting the screening and confirmation of newly-appointed senior military officers. The letter, read on the floor by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, listed the nominees as: General Olufemi Oluyede for Chief of Defence Staff, Major-General Waheedi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S. K. Aneke for Chief of Air Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff, and Major-General Emmanuel Undiendeye to continue as Chief of Defence Intelligence.  

The President emphasised that the nominations are in compliance with the Armed Forces Act (Cap A20, 2004) and appear driven by pressing national security concerns. Tinubu’s letter highlighted the need for synergy between the Executive and Legislature to address ongoing security challenges across the country. According to the correspondence, the nominees will be screened “in due course” and the Senate was urged to act expeditiously.

Security analysts say the timing of the request reflects the urgency of overhauling Nigeria’s defence architecture amid insurgencies, banditry, and emerging threats. The Senate’s next steps will determine how quickly the new leadership can begin operations.