The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday confirmed General Christopher Musa (rtd) as the new Minister of Defence, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request. Musa, a former Chief of Defence Staff, was nominated as a replacement for Abubakar Badaru, who recently resigned.

However, Musa’s screening at the National Assembly in Abuja was marked by a dramatic and chaotic session. Senator Sani Musa (Niger East) proposed that the nominee be allowed to “bow and go” without answering questions, a motion that was immediately met with loud objections from several lawmakers. The chamber quickly descended into disorder as senators shouted down the suggestion, insisting on a thorough interrogation given Nigeria’s deepening security crises.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio firmly rejected the attempt to grant Musa a “bow and go,” stressing the seriousness of the nation’s security challenges and the need for a detailed, public screening. A visibly angered Akpabio intervened to restore order, noting that the Senate could not waive scrutiny for a nominee expected to oversee the country’s entire defence architecture at such a critical moment.
He warned against politicizing the process, stating:
“If we come here and do politics, this is not the time for politics of ‘bow and go’. Even Donald Trump is on our neck. We’ve not asked him what his response will be to Donald Trump. He is not just anybody, former Chief of Defence Staff?”

Referencing the recent abduction of over 200 schoolchildren from St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri in Niger State, Akpabio stressed that Nigerians deserved direct answers and reassurance from the defence nominee. He explained that constituents wanted to hear directly from Musa, whose appointment was being celebrated nationwide, and urged him to provide hope.
Akpabio further emphasized the urgency of finding Brigadier General Uba and the kidnapped schoolchildren, linking these national priorities to the need for a full screening. He also revealed that the Senate has begun designating kidnapping as a terrorist act, carrying the death penalty without an option of fine, to strengthen the incoming minister’s legal arsenal.

Following Akpabio’s intervention, calm returned to the chamber, and lawmakers proceeded with a full screening. During the session, General Musa outlined his strategic vision for revamping Nigeria’s security architecture, pledging swift action to curb insecurity and restore public confidence in the armed forces. He thanked the president for his confidence and Nigerians for their support, promising to give his best to the task of restoring peace nationwide.

Musa acknowledged the immense pressure upon him, stating:
“I am also feeling the heat; because when I see the reactions after my name was mentioned, I knew that I could not afford to fail myself, fail my nation, fail my family. Whatever we need to do, we will put in the very best and I know with God on our side, we are going to succeed.”
He also reflected on the positive social media reactions, noting that they reflected a strong desire for a peaceful Nigeria. He dismissed the notion that Nigerians do not love one another, asserting that everyone is a victim of the ongoing crisis. He emphasized the importance of collective effort to prevent gaps that allow criminal elements, insurgent networks, and opportunistic attackers to exploit the nation’s vulnerabilities.