President Bola Tinubu commends the Senate for swiftly confirming General Christopher Musa as Nigeria’s Defence Minister amid rising security challenges.
President Bola Tinubu has praised the Nigerian Senate for its rapid confirmation of General Christopher Musa (retd.) as the country’s new Minister of Defence, calling the appointment both timely and critical amid growing national security challenges.
In a post on his official X handle on Thursday, Tinubu revealed that he had forwarded Musa’s nomination to the Senate just two days earlier. He described the former Chief of Defence Staff as “a fine gentleman” whose leadership will be pivotal in addressing Nigeria’s current security concerns.
“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,” Tinubu 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 five-hour screening session. Lawmakers scrutinized the former defence chief over recent security incidents, including the controversial withdrawal of troops from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, shortly before the abduction of schoolgirls on November 17.
During the session, Musa assured the Senate that he would “immediately set up a full-scale investigation” into the troop withdrawal once he assumes 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.
Musa’s appointment comes following the resignation of former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru, reportedly due to health reasons. Analysts say the former CDS brings extensive military experience and strategic insight at a moment when Nigeria faces escalating security threats across multiple regions.
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