President Bola Tinubu has commended the Nigerian Senate for its rapid confirmation of General Christopher Musa (retd.) as the new Minister of Defence, describing the appointment as timely and critical for the nation.
In a post on his official X handle on Thursday, Tinubu said he forwarded Musa’s name for Senate screening and confirmation just two days prior. He praised the former Chief of Defence Staff as “a fine gentleman” whose leadership will be pivotal in tackling the country’s current security challenges.
“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,” the president wrote.
“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 confirmed Musa on Wednesday following a rigorous five-hour screening session, during which lawmakers questioned him on recent security breaches. These included the controversial withdrawal of troops from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga in Kebbi State, shortly before the abduction of schoolgirls on November 17.
Musa assured the Senate that he would “immediately set up a full-scale investigation” into the troop withdrawal upon assuming office. He also pledged to investigate the killing of Brigade Commander Brig.-Gen. Musa Uba in Borno State, along with other attacks on senior military officers.
His appointment follows the resignation of former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru, reportedly on health grounds, marking a critical step in strengthening Nigeria’s defence leadership amid ongoing security challenges.
