The Senate on Wednesday put former Chief of Defence Staff and ministerial nominee, General Christopher Musa (retd.), through a long and tense screening session — after Senate President Godswill Akpabio rejected calls for a casual “take-a-bow-and-go” clearance.
Akpabio stepped in after a heated argument erupted on the floor, stressing that both Nigerians and the international community were watching the Senate’s handling of the nomination, especially in the midst of serious security challenges.
“This is not a period we should say bow and go. Even Donald Trump is on our neck,” Akpabio declared, referencing the global spotlight on Nigeria’s security crises.
Trouble began when Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East) suggested that the nominee be allowed to take a bow without facing questioning. The proposal immediately caused uproar. Lawmakers protested, shouting across the chamber, and the rowdiness escalated until Akpabio called for order.
A visibly frustrated Senator Garba Maidoki (PDP, Kebbi South) walked directly toward the Senate President, insisting that Musa must be grilled on national security issues. Akpabio aligned with the concern, saying Nigerians deserved transparency.
“Our constituents would like to hear from him,” Akpabio said. “With over 200 children in the bush being tortured, give the man an opportunity to give Nigerians hope.”
Once calm returned, the Senate launched into a full interrogation of the nominee.
General Musa, nominated a day earlier by President Bola Tinubu following the resignation of former Defence Minister Badaru Mohammed (reportedly on health grounds), pledged total commitment to protecting Nigeria’s citizens and territory.
“I pledge to do my best to ensure that Nigeria is secure and safe,” he told lawmakers.
“We need the support of every Nigerian. It’s going to be a team effort. The enemies we are dealing with are evil forces who do not mean well for this country.”
Musa’s nomination comes at a time when insecurity remains a major national concern — from insurgency to mass kidnappings, including the over 200 schoolchildren still held captive by bandits.
The Senate is expected to finalize the confirmation process in the coming days.