The Senate commenced screening of General Christopher Musa after President Tinubu nominated him as Nigeria’s new Defence Minister

The Senate on Wednesday commenced the screening of former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, following his nomination by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence.

Also read: Senator Ned Nwoko Praises Laila Nwoko for Patience Amid Controversy

The exercise began after Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the President’s request during plenary, urging lawmakers to consider Musa as a replacement for former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru, who resigned on Monday due to health reasons.

Akpabio directed the suspension of Senate rules to allow the retired military chief to enter the chamber for formal screening.

Tinubu’s letter, transmitted to the Senate on Tuesday, expressed confidence in Musa’s capacity to “strengthen Nigeria’s security framework” and reposition the ministry amid the country’s escalating insecurity.

Musa, commissioned into the Nigerian Army as a Second Lieutenant in 1991, rose through multiple command and staff appointments.

He served as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai in 2021 and later headed the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps before his elevation to Chief of Defence Staff in 2023.

His predecessor, Mohammed Badaru, assumed office on August 21, 2023, and stepped down on Monday, citing an inability to discharge his duties effectively due to ill health.

The President accepted Badaru’s resignation and thanked him for his service.

Badaru had recently faced public criticism following remarks about the difficulty of targeting terrorists in dense forest hideouts.

Also read: Contractors Protest Over Nigeria’s Long-Overdue Payments

The Senate is expected to conclude Musa’s screening and forward its confirmation recommendation to the Presidency.