UPDATED: SENATE CONFIRMS GEN. CHRISTOPHER MUSA AS MINISTER OF DEFENCE

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The Senate on Wednesday approved the appointment of a retired Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence. This decision came after lawmakers spent five hours carefully examining his background.

During the confirmation process, Musa was asked difficult questions about recent security issues, including the withdrawal of soldiers from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, just before the girls were kidnapped on November 17.

This event caused a lot of anger across the country.

Musa promised the Senate that he will start a complete investigation into the troop withdrawal as soon as he starts his new job.

He also promised to look into the recent killing of a military leader in Borno State, Brigadier General Musa Uba, and other attacks on military personnel.

He said, “It is very sad and really hurts. I want to let Nigerians know that we will not let terrorists act with so much power.

“We are going to take strong action against them. We will work closely with all the security groups and government departments. We will do a full investigation.”

“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.”

The nominee highlighted gaps within the armed forces and called for enhanced funding, strengthened community engagement, and coordinated inter-agency operations.

He also talked about the importance of keeping schools safe through the Safe Schools Initiative and taking a strict stand against terrorism and banditry.

There were some tense moments during the screening session in the chamber.

Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East) suggested that Musa should be allowed to “take a bow and go,” which caused some lawmakers to protest, including Senator Garba Maidoki (PDP, Kebbi South).

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, stepped in, asking for a complete and careful screening process and reminded everyone that both Nigerians and the international community were watching closely.

“I promise to do my best to make sure Nigeria is safe and secure.

“We need the support of every Nigerian, everyone working together as a team, because it will take all of us to succeed. The enemies we are fighting are bad people who don’t care about our country and have no respect for human lives. If we don’t work together, they will keep doing the bad things they’re doing,” he said.