Tope Omogbolagun
The Senate on Wednesday approved the nomination of General Christopher Musa (retd.) as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence after an extensive screening that probed his record as former Chief of Defence Staff and his proposed approach to tackling insecurity.
Musa, who was nominated by President Bola Tinubu following the resignation of Mohammed Badaru, former Defence Minister, faced hours of questioning from lawmakers on critical security incidents and the future of national defence operations.
A major focus of the screening was the controversial withdrawal of troops from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State shortly before the abduction of students on November 17.
The incident had drawn public outrage, and senators demanded clarity.
Musa said he would immediately order “a full-scale investigation” into the withdrawal once he assumes duty.
He also addressed the killing of a brigade commander, Brigadier General Musa Uba, in Borno State, assuring senators that such cases would receive urgent attention.
“It is very unfortunate and really painful,” he said. “I want to assure Nigerians that we will not stand by and have terrorists have the capacity to do such. We are going to go after them fully… We are going to investigate fully.”
During the screening, the retired general outlined several deficiencies in Nigeria’s defence structure, including constitutional and operational gaps that hinder security operations.
He said improved coordination, enhanced funding and stronger inter-agency cooperation were crucial.
“I believe that the challenges we are facing is a Nigerian challenge, not only for the armed forces or security forces, but for everyone working together,” he said.
“I want to assure you, we will win working together as a team.”
He called for a comprehensive national database, more active roles for local governments, and a more intelligence-driven approach to security management.
Musa also disclosed that future military recruitment exercises would be more rigorous.
Musa urged the government and citizens to stop negotiating with kidnappers and other criminals, warning that ransom payments only fuel further violence.
“There should be no negotiation with criminals. If you negotiate with them, they will never abide by it. They use the money to buy more arms,” he said.
He dismissed claims that terrorism in Nigeria targets a single religious group.
“We are all victims; everybody is being killed,” he said.
“These are evil people who are on drugs, they kill everyone, they don’t know who is who.”
The screening briefly became contentious when Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East) suggested that the nominee “take a bow and go,” but other lawmakers objected, insisting that he be fully questioned. Senator Garba Maidoki (PDP, Kebbi South) was among those who rejected any attempt to shorten the process.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio intervened, noting that both Nigerians and the international community were monitoring the screening. He insisted that the chamber continue with a detailed session.
After the exhaustive questioning, Akpabio commended Musa for his composure and clarity. “I have not seen any nominee who have answered all questions since 1999,” he said.
He urged the new minister to prioritise a visit to the defence industries once in office.
Musa’s nomination was subsequently put to a voice vote and received unanimous approval, clearing the way for him to take responsibility for steering Nigeria’s defence sector amid rising security concerns across the country.
Source: Businessday.ng | Read the Full Story…
