By John Ikani
The Senate on Tuesday confirmed the appointment of Major General Farouk Yahaya, as the new Chief of Army Staff.
The confirmation followed the consideration and adoption of the report of the joint committee on Defence and Army led by senators Aliyu Wamakko and Ali Ndume.
The President of the Senate had on June 2, referred the request of the President Muhammadu Buhari for Yahaya’s confirmation to the committees.
According to Buhari in the letter, Yahaya’s appointment was in compliance with the provisions of Section 18 subsection 1 of the Armed Forces Act 2004.
The letter had read in part: “In compliance with the provisions of section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act Cap A20 laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, I hereby forward for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of Major General Farouk Yahaya as the Chief of Army Staff of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“His CV is herewith attached. It is my hope that the Senate will consider and confirm the nominee in the usual expeditious manner.”
The Defence Committee which is chaired by Wamakko was mandated to be the lead panel to screen the newly appointed Army Chief.
General Yahaya has been serving as COAS on acting capacity following the death of his predecessor, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, who died in a military plane crash in Kaduna.
