The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday confirmed General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), as the nation’s new Minister of Defence.
Musa’s nomination was approved after a rigorous screening session where senators scrutinized his extensive military background and his responses to crucial national security questions.
During the screening, Musa assured lawmakers of his commitment to serving Nigeria diligently, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach to tackling insecurity.
“I believe that the challenges we are facing is a Nigerian challenge, not only for the armed forces or security forces, but for everyone working together,” Musa stated. “I want to assure you, we will win working together as a team. Even when I was CDS, I tried to harmonize all the teams and service chiefs.”
Key Security Proposals
Musa highlighted several constitutional and operational gaps affecting security operations, promising to follow up to ensure all relevant stakeholders are brought on board. A key proposal he advanced was the immediate creation of a comprehensive and unified national database to significantly aid security agencies in their intelligence gathering and operations.
He also called on local and sub-national governments to be more proactive in addressing insecurity and urged a comprehensive review of the Nigerian legal system concerning security matters.
Pledge Against Ransom Payments
Taking a strong stance against criminal elements, Musa demanded an end to ransom payments to kidnappers, bandits, and terrorists.
“There should be no negotiation with criminals,” he asserted. “If you negotiate with them, they will never abide by it. They use the money to buy more arms.”
Addressing the sensitive issue of alleged Christian genocide, the former defence chief maintained that all Nigerians are victims of terrorism, stressing the need for national unity. “We are all victims; everybody is being killed,” he said. “We must stop the killings. Nigerians should not be killed. We must unite. These are evil people who are on drugs, they kill everyone, they don’t know who is who.”
Senate Commendation
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, commended Musa for his performance during the screening.
“I have not seen any nominee who has answered all questions since 1999,” Akpabio noted, before urging the incoming minister to prioritize visiting local defence industries immediately upon taking office.
Following the commendation, Akpabio put Musa’s nomination to a voice vote, which was unanimously approved by the senators present.
