Senate Confirms Maj. Gen. Waidi Shaibu As New Chief Of Army Staff

The Senate has officially confirmed Major General Waidi Shaibu as Nigeria’s new Chief of Army Staff, directing him to immediately assume office. According to Ireporter Online, the confirmation took place on Wednesday during a plenary session at the National Assembly in Abuja, where lawmakers also cleared General Olufemi Oluyede as the Chief of Defence Staff earlier in the day.

The screening, which proceeded under strict security measures, was conducted through both open and closed sessions, as senators meticulously evaluated the nominees appointed by President Bola Tinubu. Presiding over the exercise, Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized that the confirmation process was a constitutional responsibility meant to ensure that only capable and patriotic officers are entrusted with the leadership of the Nigerian military.

“There is no need to ask them too many questions because we will be having a closed-door session with them,” Akpabio remarked before directing the nominees to take a bow and leave.

Senator Isah Jubrin (Kogi East), who spoke in strong support of Shaibu’s appointment, vouched for his integrity and competence, describing him as a disciplined and professional officer. “I have known him for 30 years. He is humble, dedicated, and very serious about his duties. I believe he has what it takes to move Nigeria out of its current security challenges,” Jubrin stated.

The Senate’s approval of Major General Shaibu and General Oluyede underscores its readiness to fast-track the confirmation of President Tinubu’s newly nominated service chiefs, in line with ongoing efforts to revamp the nation’s security architecture and bolster the campaign against terrorism, banditry, and other forms of insecurity across the country.