The Senate on Tuesday confirmed retired General Christopher Gwabin Musa as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence, barely six weeks after his retirement as Chief of Defence Staff.
President Bola Tinubu had nominated the former CDS on Monday following the resignation of Mohammed Badaru Abubakar on health grounds.
Appearing before the Committee of the Whole in a brown kaftan and cap, General Musa faced over four hours of intense questioning on recent security lapses, including the withdrawal of troops from a Kebbi school days before the abduction of students.
The retired general pledged aggressive action against bandits and terrorists, rejecting negotiation with criminals, and he promised to investigate the Kebbi incident.
He also called for faster prosecution of suspects and a national database to track ransom payments.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio waived the “take-a-bow” privilege, subjecting Musa to full screening despite his service record. General Musa is expected to be sworn in this week.
Administrator and Writer
