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.”