President Bola Tinubu has said the appointment of the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa (retd.) as the new Minister of Defence was timely and crucial for the country.
The Presidents stated this in a post released on his official X handle on Thursday.
He praised the Senate for swiftly confirming the new Minister, saying he transmitted Musa’s name to the Senate two days ago for screening and confirmation.
Tinubu described Gen. Musa as “a fine gentleman” whose leadership will be vital in tackling the country’s current 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 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.”
In a record time of nearly five hours, the Senate, on Wednesday, took Musa on a rigorous screening session during which Senators questioned the former CDS over recent security breaches, including the controversial withdrawal of troops from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, shortly before schoolgirls were abducted on November 17.
Musa told the Senate he would “immediately set up a full-scale investigation” into the troop withdrawal upon assumption of office.
The former defence chief also pledged to probe the killing of Brigade Commander Brig.-Gen. Musa Uba in Borno State, along with other attacks on senior military officers.
The new Defence Minister also said there would be no more negotiations with bandits, kidnappers and terrorists, saying the criminals cannot be trusted.
“They will still come back after you negotiated with them,” he said, citing instances in some northern states that after a peace deal, bandits still attack communities.
Gen. Musa advised states negotiating with the criminials to stop doing so as he said it was counterproductive.
His appointment follows the resignation of former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru, reportedly on health grounds.
