President Bola Tinubu has praised the Senate for its swift approval of General Christopher Musa (rtd) as Minister of Defence.

Following his nomination by the President on Tuesday, the upper chamber confirmed the former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on Wednesday after about five hours of screening by the lawmakers.

In a statement personally signed and posted on his official X handle on Thursday, President Tinubu hailed the lawmakers, noting that General Musa’s appointment comes at a crucial time for the country.

“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,” the statement read.

On Tuesday, President Tinubu nominated General Musa to fill the position left by Mohammed Badaru, who resigned as the minister of defence due to ill health.

In a letter addressed to Akpabio, the Nigerian president asked the Senate to confirm Musa as Badaru’s replacement, less than two months after the ex-CDS was relieved of his duties as the country’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).

General Musa’s nomination as a minister and eventual confirmation comes during a period of heightened insecurity in Nigeria, where mass abductions—particularly in schools—had become increasingly frequent.

One notable incident was the kidnapping of 25 students in Maga, Kebbi State, amid reports that security troops had departed shortly before the attackers struck.

At his screening, General Musa said one of the first things he would do is to probe the alleged withdrawal of the troops shortly before the Maga abduction, insisting that the military is not known for cowardice.

“We are going to go after them fully, working together with all the security agencies and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (of government),” the minister, dressed in a kaftan and a hula (cap), said at the event attended by his family members, among others.

“We are going to investigate fully. The Armed Forces have a way, and then from the defence, we are going to make sure that we continue with the oversight over their activities.” (CHANNELS)