President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, December 4, officially administered the oath of office to General Christopher Gwabin Musa, the former Chief of Defence Staff, as Nigeria's new Minister of Defence. The brief yet significant swearing-in ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, marking a decisive step in the administration's ongoing security reforms. General Musa's appointment followed his swift screening and confirmation by the Senate, a process completed barely 24 hours after his nomination was forwarded by the President. His name was put forward earlier in the week subsequent to the resignation of Mohammed Badaru from the defence minister post, citing health reasons.

President Tinubu lauded the Nigerian Senate for its expedited confirmation of General Musa. In a post on his verified X handle, @officialABAT, the President described General Musa as a "fine gentleman" whose extensive track record in service and breadth of experience uniquely position him to drive a more integrated national security response. He emphasized that Musa's appointment comes at a "critical juncture in our lives as a nation," highlighting his leadership record and profound understanding of Nigeria’s complex security environment as crucial assets for advancing the administration’s defence and security priorities. The President expressed his confidence that Musa is well-suited to deliver lasting peace and national stability.

Speaking to newsmen immediately after being sworn in, General Musa conveyed a strong message of assurance to the Nigerian populace. He pledged that the security situation across the country would improve significantly and that Nigerians would witness positive security results "within the shortest possible time." The new Defence Minister outlined his immediate priorities, which include ensuring that the defence sector fully occupies its rightful place in the country and fostering enhanced synergy between the armed forces, other security agencies, and all Nigerian citizens. He reiterated the critical principle that security is a collective responsibility, emphasizing the need to build upon and strengthen this collaborative approach.

General Musa also disclosed the specific directive he received from President Tinubu. According to the Minister, the President gave him a clear marching order to "adequately secure the nation so that Nigerians can sleep with their eyes closed, go back to their farms, and schools open without being molested." This directive underscores the administration's commitment to restoring normalcy and ensuring a secure environment for all citizens to pursue their livelihoods and education without fear. He further stressed the importance of carrying everyone along to ensure Nigeria continues its growth trajectory in line with the President's renewed programme.

Adding his voice to the significance of the appointment, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, expressed his confidence in General Musa's capabilities. Bishop Kukah described the new Defence Minister as a "capable hand" who is well-equipped to deliver on the security mandate entrusted to him by the President. He articulated the widespread sentiment for "restoration of normalcy in this country by any means possible," stating that the job is "in very good hands." Bishop Kukah observed that the President clearly intends to reposition security issues and believes the current situation is manageable under Musa's leadership. He called for collective efforts to "get this mess under control," advocating for the flushing out of criminals and the swift return of "laughter and joy" to Nigeria, while urging prayers for the best outcome.