Dare Babalola
The Senate has confirmed the nomination of a former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, as Minister of Defence after a five-hour grilling by the lawmakers on Wednesday.
Musa was nominated by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday following the resignation of former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru, who stepped down citing health concerns.
Earlier, leader of the senate, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, disclosed the screening in a statement by his Directorate on Media and Public Affairs, emphasising the significance of the exercise to ensuring internal peace and stability.
“Subsequently, it will immediately proceed to the screening of the nominee consistent with Section 147 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended)”.
“We cannot delay such a request especially at this crucial time in the history of our fatherland.
“We are treating the request as a matter that directly touches the core interest of our nation so that the federal government can sustain its campaigns against bandits, extremists, terrorists and other forces undermining our national security.
“Since the president has declared a state of emergency on national security, both the Presidency and National Assembly must work hand in hand to ensure peace, stability and good government.
“The screening of the defence minister nominee is one of the ways to demonstrate such a synergy purely in the national interest,” Bamidele said.
During the screening process, General Musa pledged to investigate the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal of troops from the Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, prior to the abduction of 25 schoolgirls on November 17, vowing to leave no stone unturned in getting to the bottom of the security lapse that led to the tragic incident.
Security forces reportedly pulled out from their duty posts just before the abduction of 25 schoolgirls on November 17, sparking widespread outrage and calls for accountability.
The former CDS also said he would establish a committee to investigate the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba, vowing to ensure a thorough probe into the incident
He said, “It is very unfortunate and really painful. I want to assure Nigerians that we will not stand by and have terrorists have the capacity to do such.
“We are going to go after them fully working together with all the security agencies and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (of government). 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.”
