President Bola Tinubu has applauded the Senate for its prompt confirmation of General Christopher Musa (rtd) as Minister of Defence.
After the President submitted his nomination on Tuesday, the upper chamber approved the former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on Wednesday following about five hours of screening.
In a statement personally issued and shared on his official X handle on Thursday, President Tinubu praised the lawmakers, emphasizing that General Musa’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the nation.
“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.
“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,” the statement read.
General Musa was nominated to replace Mohammed Badaru, who resigned as Minister of Defence due to ill health. In his letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu requested Musa’s confirmation less than two months after the former CDS left his post.
The appointment and confirmation come at a time of escalating security challenges in Nigeria, including a rise in mass abductions—especially in schools. One recent incident involved the kidnapping of 25 students in Maga, Kebbi State, shortly after reports that security personnel had left the area.
During his screening, General Musa vowed to investigate the alleged troop withdrawal, stressing that the military does not retreat in the face of danger.
“We are going to go after them fully, working together with all the security agencies and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (of government),” he said, noting he would ensure proper oversight of security operations.
“We are going to investigate fully. 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.”