Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday made it clear that General Christopher Musa, the nominee for Nigeria’s Defence Ministry, would not receive a routine or perfunctory approval during his ministerial screening.
Speaking before members of the upper chamber, Akpabio stressed that the session was meant to hold the nominee accountable and provide Nigerians with reassurance amid escalating security threats.
“This is not the time for politics of ‘bow and go,’” Akpabio told senators.
“Even Donald Trump is on our neck. We’ve not asked him what his response will be to the United States president.
”A nominee for Minister of Defence cannot simply bow and go while over 200 children remain in captivity and the nation questions our ability to guarantee security.”
The Senate President emphasised that Musa must investigate the withdrawal of troops from a school in Kebbi State, where a recent mass abduction left dozens of students in the hands of kidnappers.
The move reflected increasing public and international scrutiny of Nigeria’s security apparatus.
During the screening, Musa underlined the necessity of strengthening community resilience as part of a broader security strategy.
He advocated a whole-of-society approach that combines technology, active local participation, and coordinated operations across security agencies.
He argued that such measures are vital to addressing persistent kidnappings and violent attacks.
Musa also highlighted the need for enhanced accountability within the armed forces and improved coordination among Nigeria’s security ministries and agencies.
He warned that uncoordinated efforts could embolden terrorist networks, which often view Nigeria as a lucrative target.
The nominee further called for a zero-tolerance policy on terrorism and banditry, anchored in community collaboration, pointing out that security is most effective when localized.
The incoming Defence Minister drew attention to the obsolescence of many existing laws, stressing the need for legislative reforms to support modern security operations.
He specifically mentioned unregulated mining activities as a major source of funding for criminal organizations, advocating for stricter monitoring supported by technological solutions.
Musa’s nomination followed the resignation of former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru, who stepped down citing health reasons.
President Bola Tinubu formally forwarded Musa’s name to the Senate earlier this week, signaling the urgency of filling the critical post amid rising insecurity.
The backdrop of the screening is the abduction of 303 pupils and teachers from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Schools in Papiri, Niger State.
While 50 pupils have escaped and returned home, 251 primary pupils, 14 secondary students, and 12 teachers remain captive, according to Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter.
As the Senate conducts the vetting, Akpabio’s message is clear: Musa’s confirmation will not be ceremonial.
Lawmakers and Nigerians alike expect practical solutions and accountability from the Defence Ministry at a time when the nation faces mounting security challenges both domestically and on the international stage.
