The Senate on Wednesday confirmed the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as the Minister of Defence, but not before a dramatic and tense screening session where lawmakers grilled him on recent security lapses, including the controversial withdrawal of troops preceding a mass abduction.
Musa was subjected to intense questioning regarding the November 17 abduction of 26 schoolgirls from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State—an incident that sparked widespread outrage after reports surfaced that troops had been withdrawn hours before terrorists attacked.
Appearing before the lawmakers, the Minister of Defence designate vowed to launch a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding the troop withdrawal. He also addressed the recent surge in attacks on military leadership, condemning the killing of a brigade commander in Borno State, and assuring the Senate that he would probe the death of Brig Gen Musa Uba and other officers targeted by terrorists.
A Pledge to Nigerians
General Musa spoke directly to the nation’s concerns about the security forces’ operational integrity and commitment.
“It is very unfortunate and really painful. I want to assure Nigerians that we will not stand by and allow terrorists to have the capacity to do such,” he pledged. “We are going to go after them fully, working together with all the security agencies and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (of government). We are going to investigate fully. 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.”
He further warned that no “act of insolence or cowardice” within the armed forces would be tolerated, signaling a zero-tolerance policy for operational negligence.
The Senate Drama
The confirmation process itself was not without political friction. When Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East) proposed that the former CDS be allowed to “take a bow” without questioning, it triggered an immediate uproar and forced Senate President Godswill Akpabio to intervene.
Akpabio addressed the high pressure faced by Nigerian leaders due to the escalating security crisis, citing intense domestic and international scrutiny. He warned that both Nigerians and the international community were watching closely, stating: “This is not a period we should say bow and go. Even Donald Trump is on our neck,” referencing global attention on Nigeria’s worsening security situation.
Akpabio insisted that a full screening was vital to restoring public trust and giving hope to distressed citizens.
“Our constituents would like to hear from him. We are asking him questions because our constituents would like to ask him questions too. With over 200 children in the bush being tortured, give the man an opportunity to give Nigerians hope. It is not like we don’t like him,” Akpabio asserted, ensuring the full-scale screening proceeded.
Following the interrogation, the nominee, who was subsequently confirmed, pledged to prioritise the protection of lives and territory in his new role.
“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. If we don’t work together, we will allow them to perpetrate the evil acts they have been doing,” he concluded.
