By Adesina Soyooye
After a five-hour grilling, the Nigerian Senate unanimously confirmed the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as the Minister for Defence.
Musa was dramatically brought back to service a few week after President Bola Tinubu removed him as Chief of Defence Staff to the surprise and outrage of not a few people.
However, he was nominated by the President as the Minister for Defence, and his name sent to the Senate for screening less than 24 hours after Badaru Abubakar, who not a few people felt was unfit for the position resigned citing poor health condition.
Just before the Senate took on Musa for the long grilling – the longest by the Senate since 1999 – a Senator had urged that the retired General be allowed to take a bow and go, but he was strongly opposed by many, including the Senate President who asked that he be grilled because the world was watching and so was the President of the United States of America.
During screening, General
Musa pledged a united front against insecurity. He pledged to “give his best” to secure the nation if confirmed as Minister.
He described his nomination by President Tinubu as a “defining moment,” and acknowledged that the job comes with deep responsibility and a renewed commitment to confront Nigeria’s complex security challenges.
He the Senate: “I’m grateful to present myself as nominated by Mr. President as Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Standing here, I pledge to give my best in ensuring that Nigeria is secure and safe.
He took the Senators through his long career in the military which gave him first-hand insight into the country’s security landscape.
“It gave me the privilege and understanding of the dynamics of the challenges confronting our great nation.
“From junior officer to senior level, I have served this country all through my life.
“We cannot do it alone. Nobody, no single individual can do it. We need the support of everyone, every Nigerian and everyone living in Nigeria. The enemies we are dealing with are evil forces that don’t mean this country well, and they have no respect for human life.
He reminded Nigerians that security is a collective responsibility.
“All Nigerians must put hands together to defeat the enem. Until we are deliberate and determined, knowing that we are brothers and sisters, we will give room for these criminals to continue their evil acts.”
As it concerns the regional security, Musa expressed worry over instability within the Sahel region. He noted Mali as an example of the dangers of weak security systems. Nigeria must strengthen its borders and empower its security forces to prevent similar outcomes, he warned.
“The Sahel is heating up. You can see what they are doing to Mali. We will not want such a situation to come to Nigeria.
“Our borders must be secured, and our security forces must be supported.”
The nominee expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his support during his tenure as Chief of Defence Staff, and also acknowledged the National Assembly for standing by the armed forces through difficult periods.
“As a servant of this nation, we will continue to work together to ensure we secure our dear country.
“Nigeria is great. We will never be ashamed, and nobody can intimidate us.
“Everybody in the world knows Nigeria is great, and we will continue to do great.”
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