President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the Senate to confirm the appointments of his newly designated Service Chiefs. The President's letter, addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, was read during Tuesday’s plenary session in Abuja. The nominees for confirmation include General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff; Major-General Waheedi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff; Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke as Chief of Air Staff; and Major-General Emmanuel Undiendeye as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

In his correspondence, President Tinubu appealed to the Senate to grant "expeditious consideration" and action on these crucial appointments. Following the reading, the request was referred to the Committee of the Whole, which is scheduled to conduct the screening and confirmation of the nominees in the upcoming week.

These appointments are a direct result of a sweeping shake-up within the military hierarchy initiated by President Tinubu. Previously, General Christopher Musa served as Chief of Defence Staff, who was replaced by General Olufemi Oluyede. Major-General Emmanuel Undiendeye was retained in his role as Chief of Defence Intelligence. According to presidential aide Sunday Dare, this extensive reshuffle aims to "strengthen the national security architecture," with all appointments taking immediate effect.

Adding to the formal process, President Bola Tinubu held his first meeting with the newly appointed Service Chiefs at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, October 27. Led by the new Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, the Service Chiefs arrived at approximately 3:55 p.m. During this significant meeting, the President urged the appointees to uphold the trust placed in them by fostering elevated professionalism, heightened vigilance, and strong camaraderie within the Armed Forces.

However, the military reshuffle has not been without criticism. The opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) expressed concerns, urging the president to provide a clear explanation for the motive behind the changes. Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s spokesman, stated that the Federal Government owes Nigerians "a categorical explanation." The ADC emphasized its interest in the stability of the country and its democracy, expressing grave concern in light of recent developments in neighboring regions like Chad and the Sahel States.