The Senate on Wednesday began the screening of former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, after President Bola Tinubu sent his name to the upper chamber for approval as the new Minister of Defence. The process started shortly after Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the President’s request during plenary, asking lawmakers to confirm Musa as the replacement for Mohammed Badaru, who resigned two days earlier because of health issues.
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Akpabio ordered that Senate rules be set aside so the retired military officer could enter the chamber for proper questioning. The President sent the nomination letter on Tuesday, stating that he trusts Musa to help improve the country’s security system and lead the ministry at a time when insecurity remains a major challenge. Before the Senate session, the Presidency had already confirmed the nomination through a statement from the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
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Musa joined the Nigerian Army as a Second Lieutenant in 1991 and has held several command and staff positions over the years. In 2021, he became the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, the Nigerian military operation against insurgents in the North-East. He later led the Infantry Corps before becoming the Chief of Defence Staff in 2023.
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Badaru, who took office as Minister of Defence on 21 August 2023, left his post earlier this week after informing the President that his health no longer allowed him to carry out his duties. Tinubu accepted the resignation and thanked him for his time in office. Badaru had recently faced criticism after a BBC Hausa interview where he said dense forest areas made it hard to target some terrorist groups.
The Senate is expected to finish its screening and send its decision on Musa’s confirmation to the Presidency afterward.
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