President Bola Tinubu has applauded the Senate for promptly confirming General Christopher Musa (retd.) as the new Minister of Defence, describing the decision as timely and essential for the nation’s security needs.
In a post shared on his official X account on Thursday, the president noted that he submitted Musa’s name for screening two days earlier and expressed confidence in the former Chief of Defence Staff’s capacity to strengthen national security efforts.
Tinubu referred to Musa as a “fine gentleman,” stressing that his leadership would play a significant role in addressing Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges.
He wrote, “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.
I 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 after an extensive five-hour screening session in which lawmakers questioned him on recent security lapses, including the withdrawal of troops from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State, shortly before schoolgirls were abducted on November 17.
Musa assured the Senate that he would launch a full investigation into the troop withdrawal once he assumed office.
He also pledged to probe the killing of Brigade Commander Brig.-Gen. Musa Uba in Borno State and other attacks on senior military officers.
His appointment follows the resignation of former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru, reportedly due to health reasons.
