Senate Confirms Gen. Musa as Defence Minister After Stormy Screening

The Senate on Wednesday confirmed former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as Minister of Defence following a tense, drama-filled three-hour screening that saw lawmakers abandon the usually relaxed “take a bow and go” tradition for a rare bipartisan grilling over Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.

The session, characterised by loud protests, sharp exchanges and probing questions, coincided with a fresh legislative move by the upper chamber to classify kidnapping as a terrorist offence and impose the death penalty without an option of fine.

The development is part of a wider attempt by senators to strengthen the incoming Defence Minister with a tougher legal framework as insecurity spirals across several states.

The heated atmosphere began when Senator Sani Musa suggested that the nominee should be allowed to bow and go, arguing that most security discussions usually happen behind closed doors.

His comment sparked instant pushback, as several lawmakers shouted: “No! No! No!”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio rose to restore order, invoking parliamentary rules.

“Whenever the Senate President rises, everyone must keep quiet,” he said.

“This is not a time for bow and go. Our constituents are asking questions. Our children, brothers, sisters are in the bush. Even Donald Trump is on our neck.”

Akpabio also queried alleged intelligence leaks, including reports that troops were withdrawn shortly before schoolchildren were abducted in Kebbi State.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin insisted insurgency had been waning until the “infamous statement” by Donald Trump, which he claimed worsened public anxiety.

He, however, commended President Bola Tinubu for stabilising previously volatile communities like Monguno.

Responding to questions, Gen. Musa declared that Nigeria must stop ransom payments and states must desist from entering deals with criminal groups.

“No negotiation with criminals,” he said. “Only 25–30 per cent of this war is kinetic. The rest is governance. Good governance, justice and equity are key.”

The Defence Minister-designate identified the lack of a unified national database as a major obstacle to tracking criminal networks.

He also pushed for improved technology, perimeter fencing and community involvement to protect schools, stressing that delayed terrorism trials demoralise security operatives.

On the controversial capture of a brigade commander by insurgents, Musa promised a thorough probe.

“We will not allow terrorists to build such capacity. Anyone found culpable will face the law. There must be no indolence in the Armed Forces.”

Senators Mohammed Onawo, Abdul Ningi, Ali Ndume and others questioned why bandits appear better armed than security personnel.

“Why are we seeing bandits with more sophisticated weapons while our officers still carry AK-47s?” Ningi asked.

Musa admitted that gaps remain in intelligence and technology but assured the Senate that reforms would be prioritised.

Ndume urged the incoming minister to advocate placing the Armed Forces on First Line Charge, arguing that predictable funding was necessary to avoid bureaucratic delays.

“Our soldiers are not among the best paid in West Africa,” he said. “This must improve.”