Senate on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of a former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), as new Minister of Defence.
The Senate gave its approval to Musa after a five-hour screening.
During his appearance before the Senate, Musa was grilled on recent security lapses, including the withdrawal of troops from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, shortly before the abduction of some schoolgirls on November 17.
Musa however assured the Senate that he would immediately probe the troops withdrawal once he assumes office.
The new Minister also vowed to investigate the recent killing of a brigade commander in Borno State, Brigadier General Musa Uba, and other attacks targeting military officers.
Musa said, “It is very unfortunate and really painful. I want to assure Nigerians that we will not stand by and have terrorists have the capacity to do such.
“We are going to go after them fully, working together with all the security agencies and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (of government). We are going to investigate fully.
“The Armed Forces have a way, and then from the defence, we are going to make sure that we continue with the oversight over their activities.”
The new Minister highlighted gaps within the armed forces and called for enhanced funding, strengthened community engagement, and coordinated inter-agency operations.
He further stressed the need to protect schools through the Safe Schools Initiative and a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and banditry.
The screening session, however caused some tension in the Senate chamber.
Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East) suggested the new Minister be allowed to “take a bow and go,” prompting protests from lawmakers, including Senator Garba Maidoki (PDP, Kebbi South).
But Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, intervened, calling for a thorough screening and noting that Nigerians and the international community were closely watching the process.
Musa, nominated on Tuesday by President Bola Tinubu following the resignation of Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed, on health grounds, pledged to prioritise the protection of lives and national territory.
“I pledge to do my best to ensure that Nigeria is secure and safe.
“We need the support of everyone, every Nigerian, working together as a team, because it’s going to be a team effort.
“The enemies we are dealing with are evil forces that don’t mean well for this country and have no respect for human lives… If we don’t work together, we will allow them to perpetrate the evil acts they have been doing,” he said.
His confirmation comes amid heightened concerns over nationwide kidnappings, insurgency and mass abductions.
