The senate will today, December 3, begin the screening of Christopher Musa, former chief of defence staff, nominated by President Bola Tinubu to serve as minister of defence.
Okay News reports that the Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele confirmed the scheduled screening in a statement issued by his media and public affairs office on Tuesday.
According to him, Musa’s appearance before lawmakers is critical to efforts aimed at reinforcing peace and strengthening national security across the country.
Musa’s nomination follows the resignation of Mohammed Badaru, who stepped down from the defence portfolio due to health concerns.
President Tinubu had earlier forwarded Musa’s name to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, with the request officially received and acknowledged by the red chamber.
Bamidele said the president’s letter “will be read on the floor of the senate on Wednesday,” adding that lawmakers will commence the screening immediately in line with section 147 of the constitution.
“We cannot afford to delay such a request at this crucial period in our national history,” Bamidele said.
He emphasized that the screening is directly tied to Nigeria’s efforts to maintain momentum in ongoing operations against bandits, extremists, terrorists and other groups threatening national security.
Bamidele also highlighted that the state of emergency declared on national security requires closer collaboration between both arms of government.
“The screening of the ministerial nominee is one of the avenues to demonstrate executive–legislative synergy in the national interest,” he added.
