Major General Olufemi Olatumbosun Oluyede, has officially assumed office as the Acting Chief of Army Staff on Friday after signing and exchanging the handing-over note with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, at the Defence Headquarters.
Oluyede was appointed in an acting capacity by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, pending the return of the indisposed substantive COAS, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.
Until his appointment, Oluyede reportedly served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna.
The 56-year-old Oluyede and Lagbaja were coursemates and members of the 39th Regular Course.
Oluyede’s appointment came a few days after the Defence Headquarters stated that the appointment of an acting COAS was not recognised under the Harmonised Armed Forces Act.
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Speaking during the hand-over ceremony, The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, urged all officers, including Principal Staff Officers at Army Headquarters, General Officers Commanding, and Corps Commanders, to fully support the Acting Chief of Army Staff.
He emphasized the importance of unity during the absence of Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, stating that President Bola Tinubu wants to ensure there is no gap in leadership as the nation continues to face security challenges.
“This event of signing the handover note by the Acting Chief of Army Staff is unprecedented in the history of Nigeria,” General Musa remarked. “However, the only constant thing in life is change.”
He explained that the appointment of Major General Oluyede was made necessary by Lt. General Lagbaja’s illness, citing the President’s constitutional powers as Commander-in-Chief to ensure no void exists within the armed forces. He noted that this action is supported by the laws of the federation.
“The responsibilities of the Nigerian Army now rest with you, Major General Oluyede, until the return of Lt. General Lagbaja,” General Musa stated.
“He called on all officers to work collaboratively, particularly given the current security challenges facing the nation.
“We need all hands on deck. The President does not want any gap. We pray for Lagbaja’s swift recovery and look forward to his return,” he added.
In his remarks after signing the handover note, Major General Oluyede expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the role of Acting Chief of Army Staff.
“I thank God for this privilege and the President for finding me worthy to hold this position until my leader, Lt. Gen. TA Lagbaja, returns from treatment,” he said
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