By Emmanuel Obisue
President Bola Tinubu has decorated the acting Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Major General Olufemi Oluyede with a higher rank of Lieutenant General.
Sources in the Villa confirmed the development to Nigerian Pilot on Tuesday, as presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga later confirmed the development which took place at the President’s office.
Nigerian Pilot reports that if confirmed by the Nigerian Senate, Oluyede will become the substantive army chief, permanently replacing Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.
The acting COAS was promoted from the rank of Major General to Lieutenant General, days after he was appointed as acting army chief by the President.
“It is both an honour and a privilege to decorate you today. This recognition reflects your commitment and service to the Nigerian military, which speaks volumes through your exemplary record.
“We recognise all that you have been doing to ensure the country is safe and stable,’’ the President was quoted as saying.
Oluyede expressed deep gratitude and acknowledged the solemnity of the occasion, and reiterated his commitment to upholding the vision of Lagbaja in maintaining peace across the country.
It would be recalled that Onanuga had announced Oluyede’s appointment recently on October 30, after weeks of the rumoured death of Lagbaja. The Defence Headquarters has since denied the rumours of Lagbaja’s death, saying he is on leave.
“Oluyede will act in the position pending the return of the indisposed substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja,” Onanuga said in a statement at the time.