House Defence Committee Chairman endorses Gen Christopher Musa as defence minister

The Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Hon. Jimi Benson, has thrown his weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s nominee for Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa, describing him as “a soldier’s soldier with a big heart” who commands widespread respect within the Armed Forces, Parliament, and the Nigerian public.

In an interview with ArisebNews on Tuesday, Benson recalled screening General Musa in 2023 and being impressed by his frontline experience, competence, and compassion for soldiers.

“I screened him about two and a half years ago, and I still remember how well he did at the screening session. He’s a soldier’s soldier… with a heart, yes, with a big heart. He took care of his boys,” he said.

Benson emphasised that Musa’s appointment comes at a “very challenging time” and would allow President Tinubu to focus on other pressing national responsibilities.

“I actually spoke with him today and I said he’s probably the most Googled man in Nigeria at the moment,” he added.

On ensuring that Musa aligns with national security priorities, Benson said, “He has no choice. His work is cut out for him.

The world is volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. He knows the environment he’s coming into.

He needs to ensure that security and welfare of the people is maximised.”

Benson highlighted that Musa and his course-mates, including General Lagbaja, have consistently advocated for combining kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to security.

He stressed the importance of strong local government administration in consolidating military gains.

“We fight, we win the battle, and a responsible, responsive, efficient government is in place to make sure things flow,” he said.

The Defence Committee chairman cited Musa’s hands-on leadership during an oversight visit, noting that the general refused heavy escort and personally ensured security along the Kaduna–Abuja road.

“He said, ‘No, the Kaduna–Abuja road is free. I’m from Kaduna.

”I will never ever allow Kaduna to be in the hands of bandits or terrorists.’ So he liberated that place.

”Till date, you can go on the Kaduna–Abuja expressway without any bandits or security issues,” Benson recalled.

He assured that the National Assembly would provide robust oversight once Musa is confirmed by the Senate.

“He’s the overarching authority and our job is to ensure we provide adequate scrutiny to ensure that he does a great job,” Benson said, expressing confidence that the Senate would approve the nomination.

Addressing the renewed kidnapping of schoolchildren in Niger State, Benson drew parallels with the Chibok abductions, saying, “I empathise with the families.

”I sincerely hope those girls are brought back as soon as possible. My heart still bleeds that people have to go through excruciating emotional issues.

”But has that been forgotten? No, it hasn’t. We can never forget about the Chibok girls.”

Benson assured that all hands are on deck to ensure the safe return of kidnapped children, insisting that the current incidents would not become a repeat of the Chibok tragedy.

He also defended the government’s approach to terror financiers, noting that investigations were ongoing.

Benson praised the government’s initiatives to increase troop numbers and pursue the establishment of state police, saying, “It’s not theoretical.

”It’s very serious. Within the next week or two, we’re going to debate and vote on that… I think it’s a done deal.”

He stressed that strengthening local governments is essential to long-term security.

“If we can ensure the local governments are local governments indeed if we replicate Lagos State across 774 LGAs, young people will begin to have hope.

”If you don’t give them hope, the bad guys will hijack them,” he said.

On military assets, Benson noted, “Nigeria had a lot of arsenal in the days of yore.

”We took all our assets to fight the wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone. That has cost us a lot.

”But this administration is going to ensure that in the shortest possible time, we’re going to be extremely equipped like we were.”

He added that partnerships with foreign countries are underway to rebuild and replenish military assets, underscoring the government’s commitment to security.