The acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has declared the that country can only enjoy lasting peace, when citizens collaborate with security agencies to tackle the prevailing security climate in the country.
Lt. Gen. Oluyede stated this during his confirmation screening as the substantive chief of army staff by the joint Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Defence.
He advocated for a strong bilateral and multilateral ties with neighbouring nations, as well as close collaboration and cooperation between the military and other security agencies.
“I am honoured this evening to be judged worthy to participate in these efforts and I look forward to doing my best by collaborating with the National Assembly and other stakeholders, to bring permanent peace across the length and width of our beloved Nigeria.
“I humbly come before you today, to be confirmed as the 24th chief of army staff of the Nigerian Army, just because tragedy struck our army and armed forces, as well as the entire nation, when the 23rd Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, died after a brief illness.
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“I have served this great nation as an officer of the Nigerian Army for over 30 years. My exposure to national security issues at the junior, middle, and senior cadres of the military profession has prepared me adequately for the assignment I am being screened for here today.
“I see my nomination as the chief of army staff as a privileged opportunity to be on the driver’s seat and bring about more positive changes to the Nigerian Army, to enable it fulfil its constitutional responsibilities.
“Thus, if confirmed by this joint committee and given the common mandate to lead the Nigerian Army during this period, I promise to do my best to justify the confidence reposed in me by the appointing authority,” he said.
He urged the nominee to submit full and candid comments to guide debates, stating that the new position is critical in Nigeria’s journey towards long-term peace and security.
