Fatimah Otunsanya
The Senate on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of a former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence following a rigorous five-hour screening by lawmakers.
During the confirmation hearing, Musa faced tough questions on recent security lapses, including the withdrawal of troops from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, shortly before the abduction of schoolgirls on November 17.
The incident sparked national outrage.
Musa assured the Senate that he would immediately set up a full-scale investigation into the troop withdrawal once he assumes office.
The Armed Forces have a way, and then from the defence, we are going to make sure that we continue with the oversight over their activities.”
The nominee highlighted gaps within the armed forces and called for enhanced funding, strengthened community engagement, and coordinated inter-agency operations.
He also emphasised the need to protect schools through the Safe Schools Initiative and a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and banditry.
The screening session saw moments of tension in the chamber.
Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East) suggested Musa be allowed to “take a bow and go,” prompting protests from lawmakers, including Senator Garba Maidoki (PDP, Kebbi South).
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, intervened, urging a thorough screening and noting that Nigerians and the international community were closely watching the process.
Musa, nominated on Tuesday by President Bola Tinubu following the resignation of Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed, on health grounds, pledged to prioritise the protection of lives and national territory.
I pledge to do my best to ensure that Nigeria is secure and safe.
“We need the support of everyone, every Nigerian, working together as a team, because it’s going to be a team effort.
“The enemies we are dealing with are evil forces that don’t mean well for this country and have no respect for human lives… If we don’t work together, we will allow them to perpetrate the evil acts they have been doing,” he said.
His confirmation comes amid heightened concerns over nationwide kidnappings, insurgency and mass abductions.