The Nigerian Senate is scheduled to screen retired Gen. Christopher Musa, the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, as the country’s new Minister of Defence on Wednesday.
The screening comes amid intensified efforts by the federal government to address the nation’s pressing security challenges.
Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, disclosed the plan in a statement issued by his Directorate on Media and Public Affairs on Tuesday.
He emphasised the critical importance of the screening exercise in maintaining internal peace and national stability.
Gen. Musa’s nomination follows the resignation of the former Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, who stepped down citing health concerns.
Subsequently, President Bola Tinubu formally nominated Gen. Musa for the position, transmitting the request to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday.
Senator Bamidele confirmed that the Senate has received the nomination letter and that it will be formally read on the floor of the chamber on Wednesday.
The screening would then proceed immediately, in accordance with Section 147 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
He noted the urgency of the process, stressing that it is particularly critical given the current state of national security.
“We cannot delay such a request, especially at this crucial time in the history of our fatherland.
”This exercise touches directly on the core interests of our nation and will enable the federal government to sustain its campaigns against bandits, extremists, terrorists, and other forces undermining our national security,” Bamidele said.
The Senate leader further highlighted the need for close collaboration between the Presidency and the National Assembly following President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency on national security.
“The screening of the Defence Minister nominee is a key demonstration of such synergy, conducted purely in the national interest to ensure peace, stability, and effective governance,” he added.
