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President Bola Tinubu has commended the senate for quickly confirming Christopher Musa, the immediate past chief of defence staff, as the new defence minister.
Musa’s nomination was approved on Wednesday after senators scrutinised his military background and responses to questions on key issues regarding security.
In a post on X, Tinubu praised the senate for its “expedited confirmation”, adding that Musa’s appointment comes at a “critical juncture” in the lives of Nigerians.
“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,” he wrote.
“I want to commend the Nigerian Senate for its expedited confirmation of General Musa yesterday. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
At his screening, Musa had assured lawmakers of his commitment to serve Nigeria diligently if confirmed.
“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,” he said.
“I want to assure you, we will win working together as a team. Even when I was CDS, I tried to harmonise all the teams and service chiefs.
“There are a lot of gaps and constitutional lacuna that are affecting operations. We will follow up to make sure everyone is on board.”
He called for the end of ransom payments to kidnappers, bandits and terrorists in Nigeria.
“There should be no negotiation with criminals. If you negotiate with them, they will never abide by it. They use the money to buy more arms,” he said.
The former defence chief noted that subsequent recruitment into the armed forces will be thorough.
