President Bola Tinubu has commended the Nigerian Senate for promptly confirming General Christopher Musa (retd.) as the new Minister of Defence, describing the appointment as timely and critical for the country’s security.
In a statement posted on his official X handle on Thursday, Tinubu said he had forwarded Musa’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation just two days earlier.
He described the former Chief of Defence Staff as “a fine gentleman” whose leadership will be essential in tackling the nation’s current security challenges.
“Two days ago, I transmitted the name of General Christopher G. Musa, our immediate past Chief of Defence Staff and a fine gentleman, to the Nigerian Senate for confirmation as the Federal Minister of Defence,” Tinubu wrote.
“I want to commend the Nigerian Senate for its expedited confirmation of General Musa yesterday. His appointment comes at a critical juncture in our lives as a nation. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
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The Senate confirmed Musa on Wednesday following a rigorous five-hour screening session. During the session, lawmakers questioned the former defence chief on recent security lapses, including the controversial withdrawal of troops from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, shortly before schoolgirls were abducted on November 17.
Musa assured senators that he would “immediately set up a full-scale investigation” into the troop withdrawal upon assuming office. He also pledged to investigate the killing of Brigade Commander Brig.-Gen. Musa Uba in Borno State and other attacks targeting senior military officers.
His appointment comes following the resignation of former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru, reportedly due to health reasons.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
