Reps confirm Yahaya as COAS

The House of Representatives on Tuesday confirmed the appointment of Gen. Farouk Yahaya as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

This followed the submission of the report of the House Committees on Defence and Army at plenary.

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Yahaya appeared before a joint sitting of the House committees on Defence and Army on June 15 for screening.

Chairman of the Committee on Defence,  Babajimi Benson, after presenting the report, moved for the confirmation of the appointment of Yahaya.

He said Gen Yahaya gave “apt answers” during the screening, adding that he equally has the requisite experience and qualifications to occupy the position.

It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari had written to the House seeking the confirmation of the COAS.

His letter was read by the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, during the plenary on June 9, 2021.

After reading the letter, the speaker referred the request for confirmation to the committees on Defence and Army.

The letter reads: ”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 House of Representatives, 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 House of Representatives will consider and confirm the nominee in the usual expeditious manner.”

Maj. Gen. Yahaya replaced the former Chief of Army Staff, Late Lt. General Attahiru Ibrahim, who died in a plane crash alongside other officers in Kaduna.