CDS: I can’t distance myself from army’s setbacks, but I’ll bring positive changes

Olufemi Oluyede, chief of defence staff (CDS)–designate, says he will bring positive changes to the nation’s armed forces.

Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja during his screening by the joint house of representatives’ committees on defence, navy, army, and air force, Oluyede admitted that he could not entirely detach himself from the challenges of the armed forces, given decades of service, but promised to drive meaningful reforms.

The CDS-designate described his nomination as a “privileged opportunity” to reposition the military for greater efficiency and accountability.

“I have been at the helm of affairs of the Nigerian Army for over one year now, and I am able to state that under my watch, the Nigerian Army made significant administrative and operational achievements,” he said.

“As underscored in my CV, I have served this great nation as an officer of the Nigerian Army for over three decades.

“My exposure to national security issues at the junior, middle, and senior cadres of the military profession and ultimately as the 24th chief of army staff has prepared me adequately for these assignments that I am being screened for today.

“Of significance is the fact that in the past six years, I have operated at the senior operational and management levels of the Nigerian Army, and by extension, the armed forces of Nigeria, and I have been somewhat part of the running of the services.

“Thus, I cannot completely distance myself from the successes or setbacks of our great army in the past couple of years.

“However, I see my nomination as the chief of the defence staff as a privileged opportunity to be in the driver’s seat and bring about more positive changes to the Nigerian Army and armed forces to enable it to function optimally in line with the dictates of our constitution.”

Oluyede said if confirmed, he would do his “utmost best to justify the confidence reposed” in him by the president.

“Let me underscore that the security environment we find ourselves in today requires a united effort on the part of every Nigerian, strong bilateral and multilateral alliances between our country and our neighbours, as well as deep collaboration and jointness by all the services,” he said.

He said President Bola Tinubu’s administration is on the “right path to providing the enabling security environment for socio-economic activities” to thrive and “restore our dear country to the path of pride and success”.

“I am honoured to be considered worthy to play a part in these efforts, and I look forward to contributing my utmost best by working with the national assembly and other stakeholders in bringing lasting peace to the length and breadth of our dear country, Nigeria,” Oluyede said.

Oluyede said he will sustain the “laudable programmes” achieved in the military and improve on those needing refinements due to changes in the political, security, and economic landscape.”

The CDS-designate pledged to devote his efforts to improving the welfare of the personnel and their families, adding that he will work with the national assembly in its oversight function to ensure the military achieves its mandate.

Waidi Shaibu, chief of army staff-nominee, said his experience spans the United Kingdom (UK) and the US and pledged to inject new vigour into the Nigerian Army’s operations and training.

Shaibu said he has experience in security-related fields and leadership of major counter-terrorism operations as commander of the joint task force in the east, where he helped rescue abducted victims and neutralise terrorist commanders.

He promised to build on his predecessor’s legacy by improving troops’ welfare, strengthening training and readiness, and reforming the security architecture. 

“Throughout my illustrious career that has spanned about three decades, I have contemplated several processes and training that have prepared me for this day,” he said. 

“Precisely, with my wealth of experience in combating oppressions across the length and breadth of this country, I intend to indeed inject new vigour and vigour into our training in preparing our troops for the roles they are about to play.”