President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who leads the Federal Republic of Nigeria in West Africa, has expressed strong appreciation to the Nigerian Senate for promptly approving the nomination of General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retired) as the country’s new Minister of Defence. The President described the Senate’s quick action as highly important for Nigeria’s current national security climate.
Okay News reports that President Tinubu released the statement on his official X social media account on Thursday, noting that he transmitted General Musa’s name to the Senate just two days earlier for screening and confirmation.
In the message, President Tinubu referred to General Musa, who recently completed his tenure as Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, as “a fine gentleman” and emphasized that his leadership experience will be critical in confronting ongoing security challenges across the country.
According to Tinubu, “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 Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria confirmed General Musa during its plenary on Wednesday following an intensive five-hour screening session in Abuja, the nation’s capital city. Lawmakers asked the retired military chief about multiple recent security incidents, including the controversial withdrawal of security personnel from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, located in Kebbi State in northern Nigeria. The withdrawal reportedly occurred shortly before armed men abducted several schoolgirls on November 17.
Responding to questions, General Musa informed the Senate that he would “immediately set up a full-scale investigation” into the security withdrawal as soon as he assumes office. He also assured legislators that he would probe the killing of Brigade Commander Brigadier General Musa Uba in Borno State, situated in Nigeria’s North-East region, as well as other attacks targeting senior military officers.
General Musa’s appointment comes after the resignation of Mohammed Badaru, who stepped down as Defence Minister over reported health concerns.
With Musa now confirmed, expectations are rising regarding Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen national security and stabilize regions affected by violent crimes, terrorism, and armed groups.
