National Security in Focus as Senate Screens Ex-CDS General Christopher Musa for Defence Ministry

The Senate has announced that it will screen the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence on Wednesday, in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s response to security challenges.

The announcement was made in a statement on Tuesday by the Directorate on Media and Public Affairs of the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central). Bamidele emphasized the significance of the screening exercise in ensuring internal peace and stability.

Musa’s nomination follows the resignation of former Defence Minister, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, who stepped down citing health reasons. President Bola Tinubu subsequently forwarded Musa’s name to the Senate for confirmation, transmitting a formal letter to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

Senator Bamidele stated, “The Senate is already in possession of the request of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to screen his Defence Minister nominee. The letter will be read on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday, after which the screening will immediately commence, consistent with Section 147 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”

He added, “We cannot delay such a request, especially at this crucial time in our nation’s history. The exercise directly touches the core interest of our country, enabling the Federal Government to sustain campaigns against bandits, extremists, terrorists, and other forces undermining national security.”

Bamidele further noted that the screening reflects a critical partnership between the Presidency and the National Assembly, stating, “Since the President has declared a state of emergency on national security, both arms of government must work hand in hand to ensure peace, stability, and effective governance. The screening of the Defence Minister nominee is one way to demonstrate such synergy in the national interest.”