Senate Confirms Gen. Christopher Musa as New Defence Minister After Intense Screening
Senate Confirms Gen. Christopher Musa as New Defence Minister After Intense Screening
The Senate on Wednesday confirmed former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence after a tough five-hour grilling by lawmakers. The session focused heavily on recent security lapses, especially the controversial withdrawal of troops from a Kebbi school shortly before gunmen abducted several schoolgirls on November 17.
Musa assured senators that he would launch a full investigation into the incident as soon as he assumes office. He also stressed the need for better funding for the Armed Forces, stronger community engagement, and improved synergy among security agencies. According to him, protecting schools under the Safe Schools Initiative and maintaining a zero-tolerance stance on terrorism and banditry will be top priorities.
At one point, the screening turned heated when a suggestion for Musa to “take a bow and go” triggered objections from some senators, prompting Senate President Godswill Akpabio to call for a thorough and transparent process.
Nominated by President Bola Tinubu after former Defence Minister Badaru Mohammed stepped down due to health concerns, Musa promised to give his best to secure lives and territory. He urged Nigerians to work together, warning that the enemies threatening the country “are evil forces with no regard for human life.”
His confirmation comes at a time when the country is battling rising kidnappings, insurgency, and mass abductions.
