Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The House of Representatives,has constituted an ad-hoc committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the mass retirement of 1,000 staff members of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

 

 

 

 

 

The decision was sequel to deliberations on a motion presented during plenary, highlighting concerns over the abrupt disengagement of the employees and the implications for both the affected staff and the nation’s apex bank.

 

 

 

 

 

The House resolved to address concerns following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Mr. Kama Nkemkama,the member representing Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State.

 

 

 

 

 

 

During the session,it was gathered that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is preparing to retire approximately 1,000 employees as part of its ongoing strategic workforce realignment.

 

 

 

 

 

The development has raised questions about its potential impact on the affected staff and the nation’s financial sector.

 

 

 

 

 

The motion seeks to ensure a thorough review of the situation and explore measures to safeguard the welfare of the employees while maintaining the bank’s operational efficiency.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The House has urged the committee to  investigate the retirement of over 1,000 staff members of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the associated N50 billion payoff scheme.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speaking on the motion titled, “Need to Investigate the Retirement of Over 1,000 Staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Associated N50bn Payoff Scheme,” Hon. Nkemkama called on his colleagues to rise to the occasion and demonstrate adequate interest in the matter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

He emphasized the need for the House to probe the CBN’s announcement of the N50 billion payoff scheme, which the apex bank described as part of its human resource reorganisation strategy.

 

 

 

 

 

According to him,the situation demands closer scrutiny to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

He expressed concern over the “sudden mass retirement of more than 1,000 staff, including directors and senior management,” describing it as a troubling development.

 

 

 

 

 

 

According to him, the situation “raises serious questions about the selection criteria, the transparency of the process, and compliance with public service guidelines and labor laws.”

 

 

 

 

Nkemkama,a member of the Labour Party, has raised concerns about the socio-economic fallout from the disengagement of staff members. He emphasized that this development “has far-reaching implications for the affected individuals, their dependents, and the broader economy. It could exacerbate unemployment and heighten public dissatisfaction.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nkemkama faulted the N50 billion payoff scheme, warning that it might lack adequate accountability and oversight. “Without robust mechanisms to ensure transparency, there is a significant risk of mismanagement and misuse of public funds in a sector that is critical to Nigeria’s financial stability,” he stated.

 

 

 

 

 

Following the adoption of the motion, the House presided over by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas resolved to set up an ad-hoc committee to “Investigate the mass retirement of over 1,000 staff of the CBN to ascertain the criteria, process, and legality of the exercise.

 

 

 

 

 

The House also resolved to “Examine the N50bn payoff scheme to ensure transparency, accountability, and proper utilisation of funds.”

 

 

 

 

 

The House also resolved to engage the leadership of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to assess the economic and institutional implications of the recent mass retirement exercise in the nation’s financial sector.

 

 

 

 

 

Besides,the House urged the apex bank to suspend the ongoing retirement exercise and its accompanying payoff scheme until the conclusion of an investigation by the House.

 

 

 

 

The House also called on the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to ensure the rights of the affected staff are safeguarded, in line with Nigeria’s labour laws.

 

 

 

 

Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Musa Aliyu has disclosed that 70 percent of Nigerians resisted bribe requests in 2023.

 

 

 

 

He spoke on Monday during an ICPC roundtable with state attorneys-general in the north-west region, held in Kano.

 

 

 

 

Aliyu,who highlighted findings from the 2023 Corruption in Nigeria: Patterns and Trends Report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC),noted the commonness of bribery in the north-west and across the country.

 

 

 

He added:“Bribery is most common in public utilities, law enforcement, and administrative services.However, despite these challenges, the positive news is that 70 percent of Nigerians approached for a bribe in 2023 refused to comply on at least one occasion.

 

 

 

“In the north-west,76 percent of individuals who encountered bribery requests resisted—the highest refusal rate among Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, indicating growing resistance to bribery in the region.”

 

 

 

 

He emphasized the shared responsibility of state and federal governments in combating corruption, stressing the importance of collaboration to build accountable and transparent systems.

 

 

 

 

He said:“In this regard, I call on the attorneys-general of the north-west to collaborate closely with ICPC to fortify systems of accountability and transparency that serve the people.

 

 

 

“Under section 6 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission Act, ICPC is empowered to investigate and prosecute corruption across all sectors of public service, but your support and the local knowledge you bring are essential to making this effort more effective.”

 

 

 

He urged continuous encouragement of citizens in the north-west to resist bribery demands and reiterated the ICPC’s commitment to using its authority to combat corruption effectively.

 

 

 

“As chairman of the ICPC, I am committed to ensuring that the commission uses its law enforcement powers and preventive measures, which include enlisting and fostering public support in combating corruption in Nigeria within the confines of the law,” he said.

 

       Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, and his predecessor, Emeka Ezeh, have advised against amending the Public Procurement Act to include punitive measures for erring contractors.

 

 

 

 

They said that such provisions are typically embedded in contractual agreements.

 

 

 

 

 

At a session with the House of Representatives Committee on Public Procurement, Dr. Adedokun explained that the Public Procurement Act of 2007 was designed to harmonize existing government policies and practices, while regulating and setting standards for public procurement.

 

 

 

 

 

According to him,the law promotes competition, transparency, and accountability in the procurement process.

 

 

 

 

 

 

He maintained that the Act already provides a robust legal framework, and that issues related to contractor misconduct are adequately addressed within the terms of individual contracts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

He added: “The proposed amendment aims to impose sanctions on contractors who fail to complete projects within the stipulated timeframe. Such sanctions are typically embedded in the conditions of a contract on a global scale and are beyond the scope of the Public Procurement Act (PPA).

 

 

 

 

 

 

“It is important to note that the PPA does not oversee the implementation phase of contracts. Instead, this is governed by the standard conditions of the contract and the contract agreement, which regulate all matters arising after a contract has been validly awarded.

 

 

 

 

 

“In this regard,the clauses within the contract agreement that outline sanctions for contractors, as specified in the Bureau’s Standard Bidding Documents, are sufficient. Therefore, the proposal to incorporate contract implementation procedures into the Public Procurement Act would be excessive and counterproductive, undermining the original purpose of the Act.

 

 

 

 

 

“As the regulatory authority,the Bureau, empowered by the Act,has already issued Standard Bidding Documents and Standard Conditions of Contract that meet global standards and include penalties for contractors who fail to comply.

 

 

 

 

 

“The Bureau recommends that the Committee focus on ensuring the proper implementation and enforcement of existing laws, rather than pursuing amendments that do not address the core issue. Specifically, the Bureau emphasizes that the timely release of funds for awarded contracts is critical for the successful completion of projects. Delays in funding from the procuring entity ultimately lead to delays in project completion, making the procuring entity responsible for any setbacks.

 

 

 

 

“Given these considerations,the Bureau respectfully urges the Committee to reconsider the proposed amendment. We also seek the support of Parliament to prioritize the effective implementation of the Public Procurement Act, as this will significantly enhance the efficiency and integrity of the public procurement process in Nigeria.”

 

 

 

 

The immediate past Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Emeka Ezeh, expressed concerns over the proposed amendment,suggesting that while it may appear noble and well-meaning at first glance, it seems to focus more on addressing the symptoms rather than the root causes of the challenges in Nigeria’s contracting environment.

 

 

 

 

He recommended that the issue should be examined from a more comprehensive perspective.

 

 

 

 

He emphasized the import of addressing the entire process,from needs assessment and project design to proper budgeting, contractor selection, and,ultimately, effective contract execution and project implementation.

 

 

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN),has told  the International Criminal Court to stop probe of the Nigerian military by the office of the prosecutor at the ICC.

 

 

 

 

 

He said Nigeria has demonstrated the will to promote justice and end terrorism among other global crimes.

 

 

 

 

 

He stated Nigeria’s position in his statement at the 23rd Session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) holding between December 2 and 7 at The Hague, Netherlands.

 

 

 

 

 

Expressing the country’s commitment to confronting impunity, holding perpetrators of heinous crimes accountable, and restoring justice for victims,Fagbemi noted that the preliminary examination into alleged crimes in Nigeria had lasted 14 years and was demoralizing to the service men laying their lives to defend their country against terrorists.

 

 

 

 

He emphasized that Nigeria as a responsible  party to the Rome Statute has consistently engaged with the Office of the Prosecutor and demonstrated its military’s adherence to international humanitarian law and ensuring accountability for any personnel found guilty of misconduct.

 

 

 

 

“While we respect the court’s mandate to intervene when states are unable or unwilling to prosecute such crimes, it is important to emphasize that there must be respect and regard to the principle of complementarity.

 

 

 

 

 

“The ICC is meant to act as a court of last resort, intervening only when national legal systems are unable or unwilling to address grave crimes.

 

 

 

 

 

“I must assert that Nigeria does not fall under any such situation. Our nation has consistently demonstrated both the will and the capacity to investigate and prosecute serious crimes, including those committed by Boko Haram and other terrorist groups.

 

 

 

 

“We are proud of the Nigerian Military, which has systems and structures in place to ensure their operations are guided by international humanitarian law and human rights principles” the AGF stated.

 

 

 

 

He added that:”At the 22nd Session of this Assembly, Nigeria reported the establishment of an independent Special Investigative Panel by the National Human Rights Commission to address allegations against the Nigerian military made by Reuters. After thorough investigations spanning eight months, the Panel found no evidence to substantiate these claims. The allegations of killings, torture, and the recruitment of underage fighters have been proven to be false and exaggerated.

 

 

 

“Indeed, the work of the Panel and acceptance of its recommendations by the government clearly indicates that Nigeria has the political will to investigate allegations of heinous crimes and hold violators accountable.

 

 

 

 

“The conduct of military operations during conflict is regulated by international humanitarian law, and we can assure this Assembly that the Nigerian military does not engage in arbitrary killings or inhumane treatment of those no longer directly participating in hostilities. Our Military ensures that captured combatants are treated with dignity and respect. While inadvertent mistakes or errors of judgment may occur in the chaos of conflict, these are promptly investigated by impartial commissions and panels.

 

 

 

 

“I wish to state that Nigeria has a well-established and functional court martial system for holding erring officers accountable. We also employ restorative justice measures, including compensation, when appropriate” Fagbemi said.

 

 

 

Kamarudeen Ogundele,Special Adviser to the President on Communication and Publicity,Office of the AGF and Minister of Justice, who signed the statement,said in addition,Nigeria’s six-month Demobilization,Deradicalization, and Reintegration (DDR) program has successfully reintegrated 4,000 former Boko Haram combatants into society.

 

 

 

 

He added:”We continue to prioritize the training and re-training of our armed forces, ensuring that human rights and international humanitarian law remain at the forefront of our military operations, with a focus on protection of civilian protection.”

 

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), said it has launched a major inquiry into widespread consumer complaints against Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), MTN Nigeria and Air Peace Limited.

 

 

 

 

A statement issued by Mr.Ondaje Ijagwu, Director, Corporate Affairs in FCCPC, explained that the inquisitions, which would begin on December 3rd, 4th, and 5th respectively, are intended to address issues of poor service delivery, exploitative practices, and potential consumer rights violations.

 

 

 

 

In the banking sector, Ijagwu said the FCCPC will engage Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) over reports of network failures that hinder customers from accessing their funds or using banking applications.

 

 

 

 

 

“In the telecommunications sector, MTN Nigeria faces questions regarding persistent complaints of undelivered data services, unexplained data depletion, and inadequate customer care.

 

 

 

“Similarly, Air Peace Limited will address allegations of exploitative ticket pricing, including significant price hikes for advance bookings on certain domestic routes.

 

 

 

 

“These inquiries are being conducted under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, specifically Sections 17, 18, 32, 33, 80, 110, 111, 112, and 113, which empower the FCCPC to investigate and resolve practices that undermine consumer rights, disrupt markets, or create unfair competition.”

 

 

 

The statement said the FCCPC’s engagement with these companies provides a platform to address consumer concerns, clarify business practices, and enforce compliance with regulatory standards.

 

 

 

 

“The companies will be required to appear before the Commission on designated days to provide information and responses to enable the Commission to make determinations and resolve pending issues promptly.

 

 

 

“This action reflects the Commission’s commitment to safeguarding consumer rights, fostering a fair marketplace and ensuring accountability across all sectors.

 

 

 

“We urge consumers to continue to report instances of poor service delivery or exploitative practices to the FCCPC through its official channels,” the statement explained.

 

 

 Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has  inducted the second cohort of its Non-Resident Fellowship Programme (NRFP), designed to champion evidence-based policy-making in Nigeria.

 

 

 

 

 

The induction of non-resident fellows, underscored its commitment to bridging the gap between socio-economic research and public policy in Nigeria,NESG said in a statement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

According to the group,”The NRFP is designed to foster collaboration among leading experts to produce actionable insights that influence evidence-based policymaking.

 

 

 

 

 

“This 18-month edition leverages the expertise of distinguished fellows to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges.

 

 

 

 

“By strengthening the connection between research and governance reforms, the programme contributes to sustainable development in a complex and dynamic global environment.”

 

 

 

Speaking Dr. Tayo Aduloju,Chief Executive Officer of the NESG,described the NRFP as a “beacon of knowledge” and a transformative platform for driving impactful governance reform.

 

 

 

 

He highlighted the first cohort’s achievements,including impactful cluster reports and positive feedback from stakeholders.

 

 

 

“The NRFP is a testament to our dedication to shaping Nigeria’s development agenda through high-quality research and evidence-based policies,” Dr. Aduloju noted.

 

 

 

 

He also emphasised the NESG’s vision of building a Pan-African network of economists and researchers to foster transformative, cross-border conversations that drive Africa toward global competitiveness.

 

 

 

Dr. Olusegun Omisakin, Director of Research at the NESG, welcomed the new cohort by emphasising the importance of collaboration in addressing Nigeria’s developmental challenges.

 

 

 

He noted that members of the first cohort have become integral to the NESG’s research ecosystem, contributing to broader projects and strengthening the research department’s capabilities.

 

 

 

He also emphasized the need to focus on governance, inclusive growth, and critical sectors such as trade and the economy.

 

 

 

During the inauguration,Mr. Olaniyi Yusuf, Chairman of the NESG, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to translating high-quality research into actionable policies.

 

 

 

He spoke on the NESG’s extensive contributions, including research in telecommunications, oil and gas, and maritime sectors, alongside hosting impactful conferences and facilitating public dialogue.

 

 

 

“Despite recent reforms like fuel subsidy removal and FX policy changes, economic growth must translate into improved livelihoods for Nigeria’s vulnerable population.

 

 

 

“The NRFP provides a platform to harness research to tackle these pressing challenges,” Yusuf stated.

 

 

 

He encouraged the new fellows to work diligently and contribute meaningfully to transforming Nigeria into a modern and globally competitive economy.

 

 

 

 

The second cohort featured distinguished researchers and policymakers selected for their expertise in addressing critical areas of Nigeria’s development.

 

 

 

In economy and trade thematic Area: Adesoji Farayibi, a doctoral researcher in Economics at the University of Ibadan, Head of Economic Development and Research at DAWN Commission, and Co-leader of FirstFord Africa, was selected along side Dr. Mustapha Hussaini,a Senior Lecturer and Dean at Sule Lamido University, who has been  recognised for his contributions to economic research and policy development as well as Dr. Oluwanbepelumi Esther Olanubi, an economist,who specialises in macroeconomic modeling and international development, and Co-founder of Kingsgate Advisors Institute.

 

 

 

 

In governance and social inclusion thematic Area: Dr. Augustine Okere, an expert in development policy analysis and international political economy, with a focus on socio-economic inclusion and global development agendas and Dr. Aminat Olohunlana,a multi-disciplinary researcher with 17 years of experience in gender development, financial inclusion, and climate change as well as Dr. Zayyad Tsiga,a Senior Policy Manager at J-PAL Africa and former CEO of the Kaduna State Residents Identity Management Agency, specialising in digital public infrastructure and e-governance, were all selected.

 

 

 

 

 

The NESG said it:”remains unwavering in its mission to create a sustainable, inclusive,and competitive economy by fostering collaboration among industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers.

 

 

 

 

“This second cohort of Non-Resident Fellows embodies the knowledge, expertise, and dedication necessary to drive meaningful change and shape Nigeria’s future.”

 

 

 

 

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo says  South-East region has sustained losses exceeding N34 trillion in investment opportunities across its 95 Local Government Areas on account of alleged reign of terror propagated by Mr Simon Ekpa’s group.

 

 

 

 

The group said that the colossal tragedy affects every Igbo household, as they endure the personal toll of violence, brutalities,and abductions perpetrated under the guise of seeking autonomy.

 

 

 

 

Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro,Secretary General Ohaneze Ndigbo,disclosed this in a press statement at the weekend.

 

 

 

 

He said:”The truth that begs acknowledgment is:what tangible achievements have been realized from this campaign of destruction? Has any of their actions succeeded in threatening federal economic interests or eliciting any substantive governmental response?”.

 

 

 

 

He explained that it is compelling to address the alarming declarations allegedly made by Simon Ekpa and his associates regarding the unmandated declaration of a Sovereign Biafran Nation on December 2, 2024.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“This urgent press release serves to clarify the consequences of these actions, which will not only fail to impact Nigeria but will significantly exacerbate the ongoing destruction of the Southeastern region”.

 

 

 

 

“Following a thorough examination of the destructive activities pursued by Simon Ekpa and his dissident faction over the past three years, it has become abundantly clear that their actions have created a maelstrom of violence and suffering. The region—once celebrated for its educational excellence, cultural richness, and economic prosperity—has been reduced to a shell of its former self. As businesses flee from instability and fear grips our communities, we find ourselves in mourning not just for lost investments, but for the very essence of Igbo identity itself.

 

 

 

 

“We must be candid.The answer is a resounding no.They only succeeded in further marginalizing our people, undermining our communities, and driving investment away from our beloved Southeast. In contrast, the Federal Government has remained unyielding, dispatching military assets to suppress the criminalities that have stunted our growth, resulting in a more heavily policed region that has lost its appeal for both local and foreign investors.

 

 

 

 

“Ohaneze Ndigbo vehemently calls upon all individuals involved in the gatherings in Finland to understand that they do not have the legitimate authority to speak or act on behalf of the Igbo populace at home and in the diaspora. Their forthcoming declaration of independence is not only audacious but entirely unfounded. It is a reckless endeavor that could elevate tensions and provoke further military action against our region during a season that should be characterized by unity and celebration”.

 

 

 

 

“We implore those aligned with Simon Ekpa’s faction—social media content creators, in particular—to reconsider their misguided path, as their actions pose a tangible threat not only to our social fabric but also to their own families and communities. The fallout of such reckless defiance could incite a military presence that exacerbates the humanitarian crisis during the holiday season, further entrenching suffering among the very people these dissidents claim to represent.

 

 

 

 

 

“Moreover, we wish to make it abundantly clear: any escalation resulting from these declarations will only serve to complicate Simon Ekpa’s legal challenges in Finland. The Finnish government will likely utilize any counteractions as critical evidence that could accelerate his prosecution by May 2025, thus magnifying his woes and displaying a complete disregard for the safety and dignity of our people”.

 

 

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta FORUM (PANDEF),Ambassador Godknows Igali has called on the Federal Government to urgently reverse the  neglect of the Itu-Calabar Road connecting Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.

 

 

 

Speaking to newsmen on arrival at the UJ Usuene Airport,Calabar for the funeral of the Second Republic Senate President and leader of the National Assembly,he decried  the situation of the road under succeeding administrations as a criminal neglect.

 

 

 

The leader of the apex South-South’s socio-political body,stated that the road is presently one of the worst in  Nigeria, describing it as ‘a road where very little work is being done and as such, has become a death trap in which helpless Nigerian commuters struggle their way along with thousands of heavy duty trucks on the route’.

 

 

 

He urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritise the completion of the Itu-Calabar road by funding competent contractors as a fitting tribute to the memory of Senator Wayas.

 

 

 

He described Senator Wayas as a Nigerian patriot of a special class and appealed that his immediate area; i.e Akwa Ibom and Cross River states must not be allowed to continue to suffer.

 

 

 

 

He thanked President Tinubu,the President of the Senate, Chief Godswill Akpabio and the Governor of Cross River state, Senator Prince Bassey Otu for taking steps to accord the  late Senator Wayas a befitting interment.

 

 

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The Lagos State Taskforce has dismissed two of its personnel following their involvement in theft during a recent raid.

 

 

 

 

 

The operation, conducted at a hotel in Gowon Estate known for harboring drug users and traffickers, resulted in numerous arrests,a statement said on Friday.

 

 

 

 

The statement quoted that the integrity of the raid was compromised by the actions of two officials whose misconduct was captured on CCTV.

 

 

 

 

The culprits, Fatai Yusuf (42) and Hammed Garuba (38), were found guilty of stealing mobile phones from the scene.

 

 

 

It added:”Both individuals, serving as paramilitary officers within the agency, were subjected to a meticulous investigation by the agency’s Disciplinary Committee. Upon confirmation of their guilt, they were summarily dismissed from service and will face immediate prosecution for theft”.

 

 

 

 

CSP Adetayo Akerele, Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, faulted the actions of the dismissed personnel, reaffirming the agency’s unwavering commitment to integrity and accountability. He issued a stern admonition to all personnel, emphasizing that any breach of ethical conduct would attract severe consequences.

 

 

 

 

“The Lagos State Taskforce is guided by principles of discipline, equity, and justice. Any act that compromises the agency’s credibility or erodes public trust will be addressed decisively and without hesitation,” he declared.

 

 

 

 

 

Besides,the first group of 53 drug peddlers and users apprehended during earlier operations have been remanded at the Badagry Correctional Centre after being charged in court.

 

 

 

 

This week, in a subsequent raid targeting drug hotspots and illicit structures within Gowon Estate, Ipaja, Lagos, the Taskforce arrested 43 additional suspects.

 

 

 

 

The operation led to the demolition of identified drug hideouts and shanties to deter recurring criminal activities in the area.

 

 

 

 

All apprehended individuals have been promptly arraigned, underscoring the agency’s relentless commitment to eradicating drug-related crimes and ensuring public safety,the statement added.

 

 

 

 

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The House of Representatives has confirmed the appointment of Gen. Olufemi Oluyede as the substantive Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army.

 

 

 

The confirmation came after a thorough screening conducted on Wednesday by the House Joint Committee on Defence and Army.

 

 

 

 

The process,chaired by key lawmakers, involved assessing the qualifications, experience, and strategic vision of the nominee for the leadership of the Nigerian Army.

 

 

 

 

His confirmation followed the submission of a report by the Joint Committee on the Screening and Confirmation of the Acting Chief of Army Staff.

 

 

 

 

The report was presented during Thursday’s plenary by the committee chairman, Hon. Babajimi Benson, who represents the Ikorodu Federal Constituency.

 

 

 

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu,who presided over the session,granted the prayer for General Oluyede’s confirmation.

 

 

 

 

Providing a summary of the committee’s findings, Hon. Benson said: “On November 26, 2024, this parliament graciously mandated us to screen the Acting Army Chief. The screening exercise took place on Wednesday, during which we reviewed his credentials and engaged him on critical issues, including inter-agency collaboration and civilian-military relations.

 

 

 

 

“Based on our assessment, General Olufemi Oluyede demonstrated that he is both fit and capable for this role. He gave an impressive account of himself, and we concluded that this House should approve his appointment.”

 

 

 

 

 

Following the presentation,the House unanimously approved the committee’s recommendation, confirming General Oluyede’s appointment as Chief of Army Staff

 

 

 

Prior to his question before his colleagues, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu,said:“There is only one recommendation in this report. That recommendation says that the ad-hoc committee carefully and thoroughly engaged with the nominee for the position of the Chief of Army Staff and was satisfied with his academic and professional qualifications, exposure, character, conduct, experience and general performance.

 

 

 

 

“The ad-hoc committee also observed that the nominee displayed wide and in-depth knowledge of strategies and tactics during his acting capacity. The committee hereby recommend that General Oluyede be confirmed as Chief of Army Staff,” he said.

 

 

 

Kalu then asked, “Carried?,” to which lawmakers present responded: carried.

 

 

 

The report noted that: “The nominee (Gen Oluyede) reiterated his vast experience in war and negotiation skills having served in critical war zones. He informed the ad-hoc committee that he was exposed to war situation similar to what exists in Nigeria today and pledged to bring all these experiences to bear in the performance of his duties when confirmed as the Chief of Army Staff.

 

 

 

“Other areas covered during the screening include his strategic security knowledge and vision; funding; war on terror, insurgency and banditry; health and welfare of soldiers; military equipment and upgrade of security architecture.

 

 

 

The report stated key priorities, including accountability and transparency in the management of public resources, internal security, recruitment, training and retraining of personnel, media relations, and discipline within the Army.

 

 

 

General Oluyede was earlier appointed as the Acting Chief of Army Staff following the death of General Taoreed Lagbaja.