Newly sworn-in Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), on Thursday pledged to ensure a safer and more secure Nigeria, saying the outpouring of goodwill from citizens since his nomination and confirmation has strengthened his resolve to deliver results.

Speaking to journalists at the State House shortly after taking his oath of office before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the former Chief of Defence Staff said Nigerians can look forward to a future where they go about their daily lives without fear of criminal elements.

“I want to use this medium to appreciate all Nigerians. Nigerians have shown me love, and I will guarantee them that I am going to work, whatever it takes, to ensure that Nigeria is secured,” he said.

General Musa, returning to a sector he once led as the country’s top military officer, said his immediate priority would be to reinvigorate the defence architecture and strengthen collaboration among all security agencies.

“My immediate priority is to make sure that defence takes its place fully in the country. The synergy between the armed forces and other security agencies, and all Nigerians being carried along, as we have always said, security is everybody’s responsibility,” he stated.

According to him, rebuilding and sustaining that synergy will be central to the administration’s push for lasting peace.

“It is that synergy that we need to build on and work on, and that’s what we’re going to do. I can assure you, within the shortest possible time, Nigerians will see results,” the minister added.

On his briefing with President Tinubu, Musa said the President was unequivocal in his directive that Nigeria must be secured to enable citizens to live normally again.

“He reiterated his mind on the aspect that we must make sure Nigeria is secured. Nigerians should go back and sleep with their eyes closed, go back to their farms, and schools should open without being molested,” he told reporters.

Musa said all efforts going forward will align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to create a secure environment for economic growth, education, agriculture, and community life.

“Everyone is being carried together to make sure that Nigeria continues to grow in line with the Renewed Hope programme of Mr. President,” he said. (The Nation)