The Senate on Wednesday confirmed the nomination of former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence after an exhaustive five-hour screening session.
Musa was nominated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday to replace former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru, who resigned citing health concerns.
Announcing preparations for the screening, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele noted in a statement issued by the Directorate of Media and Public Affairs that the confirmation exercise was of strategic national importance, particularly in light of escalating security threats across the country.
Bamidele said the Senate acted swiftly in line with Section 147 of the 1999 Constitution, stressing that the request could not be delayed “especially at this crucial time in the history of our fatherland.”
He added:
“We are treating the request as a matter that directly touches the core interest of our nation so the federal government can sustain its campaigns against bandits, extremists, terrorists and other forces undermining our national security.
“Since the president has declared a state of emergency on national security, both the Presidency and National Assembly must work hand in hand to ensure peace, stability and good government.”
According to him, the screening and confirmation of the defence minister nominee was a clear demonstration of the synergy required to confront Nigeria’s security challenges.
During the screening, General Musa pledged to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal of troops from the Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State, shortly before the November 17 abduction of 25 schoolgirls.
The withdrawal, which occurred hours before the attack, has drawn public outrage and demands for accountability.
Musa told the lawmakers that no detail would be overlooked, vowing to “get to the bottom” of the security lapse that emboldened the kidnappers.
The former CDS also assured the Senate that he would set up a committee to probe the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba, describing the incident as “unfortunate and painful.”
He said: “We will not stand by and have terrorists develop the capacity to do such. We are going to go after them fully, working together with all security agencies and MDAs.
We are going to investigate fully… and ensure proper oversight of Armed Forces operations.”
With the confirmation, General Musa is expected to immediately assume duties as Defence Minister as the federal government deepens its national security emergency measures.
