The Senate on Wednesday confirmed General Christopher Gwabin Musa, the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), as the nation’s new Minister of Defence, following a rigorous five-hour screening process in Abuja.
The confirmation comes barely 48 hours after President Bola Tinubu nominated the retired General to replace Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who resigned citing health concerns. Musa’s vetting was fast-tracked by the upper chamber, signalling the government’s determination to sustain ongoing operations against various internal security threats, including terrorism and banditry.
General Musa, who was until recently the highest-ranking military officer in the country, was subjected to extensive questioning by lawmakers focused primarily on strategies to enhance internal stability and reform the defence architecture.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele had previously underscored the critical nature of the confirmation, stating that the Senate was treating the request as a matter of national emergency.
”We cannot delay such a request, especially at this crucial time in the history of our fatherland,” Senator Bamidele was quoted as saying, emphasising the need for synergy between the executive and legislative arms in addressing the national security crisis.
During his presentation, Gen. Musa reportedly stressed his commitment to securing the country, assuring the legislative body that his vast experience in theatre operations would be leveraged to achieve stability. “We can win this war,” Musa pledged during his appearance, vowing to restore public confidence in the nation’s military capability..
