The Senate has confirmed former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (retd), as the country’s new Minister of Defence after a prolonged five hour screening during which lawmakers demanded answers on recent security failures.
Musa’s screening was dominated by concerns about the withdrawal of troops from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State shortly before the abduction of schoolgirls on November 17.
The incident triggered nationwide outrage and renewed questions about coordination within the security architecture.
He assured lawmakers that a full scale investigation would begin once he assumes office. He added that the killing of a brigade commander in Borno State, Brigadier General Musa Uba, along with other attacks on military officers, would also receive immediate attention.
“It is very unfortunate and really painful. I want to assure Nigerians that we will not stand by and have terrorists have the capacity to do such. We are going to go after them fully, working together with all the security agencies and Ministries, Departments and Agencies. We are going to investigate fully,” he said.
Musa pointed at gaps within the armed forces, calling for better funding, stronger community engagement and improved inter agency cooperation.
He also stressed the need to strengthen the Safe Schools Initiative to prevent further attacks on learning centres.
There were moments of tension during the session when Senator Sani Musa suggested that the nominee should “take a bow and go,” a remark that prompted protests from some lawmakers, including Senator Garba Maidoki.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio insisted on a thorough session, saying Nigerians and the international community were watching closely.
Musa was nominated on Tuesday by Tinubu following the resignation of former Defence Minister Badaru Mohammed on health grounds.
He pledged to prioritise the protection of lives and national territory.
“I pledge to do my best to ensure that Nigeria is secure and safe. We need the support of everyone, every Nigerian, working together as a team, because it’s going to be a team effort. The enemies we are dealing with are evil forces that don’t mean well for this country and have no respect for human lives,” he said.
