Follow Us on Google
From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has charged the newly appointed Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, to urgently confront the nation’s worsening insecurity, warning that even President Donald Trump of the United States is “on their necks” over the situation.
On Wednesday, the Senate subjected the former Chief of Defence Staff to an intensive screening, with Akpabio insisting that the severity of Nigeria’s security challenges required rigorous scrutiny rather than a ceremonial “bow and go.”
He was reacting to a suggestion by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa, that the nominee’s pedigree was enough to allow him to take a bow and go.
The remark threw the chamber into a rowdy session, with lawmakers loudly disagreeing along opposing lines.
Rising from his seat to restore calm after multiple attempts using the gavel failed, Akpabio reprimanded senators pushing for a ‘bow and go’ clearance. He reminded them that Nigerians expected answers, not courtesies or political gestures.
“The man standing in front of us could be regarded as the current solution to security in the country,” Akpabio said.
“We’re here to represent our constituents, and they want to know whether his appointment will enable them sleep well, whether their children will be safe in school.”
Emphasising the urgency of the situation, he added: “So, if we come here and do politics of ‘bow and go’, this is not the period.
“Even Donald Trump is on our neck. We have not asked what his response would be to Donald Trump, the President of America.
“He’s not just anybody, he was Chief of Defence Staff and now Minister of Defence, and you stand up to say he should take a bow and go with so many questions on the mouth of Nigerians.
“With over 200 Nigerian children in the bush, kidnapped and being tortured.”
Akpabio said the widespread positive reaction to Musa’s nomination showed that Nigerians believed he could deliver.
“Give the man opportunity to give Nigerians hope,” he said.
The Senate President demanded answers on the mysterious withdrawal of troops from the girls’ secondary school in Maga, Kebbi State, shortly before terrorists abducted the students, and clarity on the abduction of General Uba by ISWAP and the circumstances surrounding his death.
The screening, held in the Committee of the Whole, focused on Nigeria’s worsening security environment, the resurgence of mass kidnappings, and the urgent need to modernise military operations.
In his opening remarks, General Musa stressed unity and collaboration as the foundation of successful security operations.
“If we do not work together, we will give them the opportunity to continue their evil acts,” he warned. “We must love one another, understand that the challenges we face are national challenges, not just for the armed forces.”
He noted that insecurity in the Sahel was escalating and Nigeria must prevent the spillover by strengthening border security, empowering security agencies, enhancing collaboration with relevant MDAs, and deepening cooperation with neighbouring countries.
Musa also emphasised the need to equip local communities—first responders during attacks—to defend themselves more effectively.
He condemned ransom payments and negotiations with bandits, arguing that such practices weaken military gains. Ransom payments, he said, empower criminals to rearm and launch further attacks.
The former CDS said he would pursue stronger diplomatic cooperation with Mali, Chad and Burkina Faso to form strategic plans against terrorism and curb the influx of foreign fighters into Nigeria.
He urged the Senate to amend obsolete laws that create loopholes for apprehended terrorists to evade justice and rejected amnesty programmes for them.
Expressing gratitude to the National Assembly and President Bola Tinubu for the support he received as CDS, Musa said:
“Nigeria is great. Nobody can intimidate us. We are one people. The world knows Nigeria is great, and it will continue to be great.”
Other News
Responding to Akpabio’s questions, he pledged full investigations into the alleged lapses and assured lawmakers that answers would be provided.
Almost all senators present scrutinised the defence chief on various developments across the country, but also praised his stabilisation efforts in the South-west, urging him to replicate similar successes in the North-west and North-central.
Senator Mohammed Monguno highlighted significant improvements in his constituency under Musa’s leadership.
“Before, even in my wildest dreams, I could not go to Monguno. Today I can sleep there with my two eyes closed,” he said, asking what operational insights Musa would bring into policymaking as minister.
Similarly, Senator Ahmad Lawan, Chairman of the Defence Committee, described Musa as “highly professional, patriotic and firm,” and urged increased funding for the armed forces.
“No investment in our armed forces is too much. Let’s give them what they need, so they don’t operate in a vacuum,” he said.
Other lawmakers queried recent security lapses, including the abduction of more than 200 schoolchildren, the kidnapping of Brigadier General Uba, and reports that troops were withdrawn 30 minutes before the school attack in Maga.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu questioned why the military still lacked modern equipment, forcing soldiers to confront criminals armed with superior weapons.
Senator Ali Ndume raised concerns about the premature retirement of young, well-trained officers, describing it as “a waste of talent.”
Responding, Musa assured lawmakers of a firm, coordinated and accountable defence posture.
“We will not stand by and see terrorists have the capacity to capture a brigade commander,” he said. “We will investigate fully. No indolence or cowardice will be entertained. All those found culpable will face the law.”
On the Maga school abduction, he declared: “It is unacceptable. We will investigate and ensure those responsible face appropriate action.”
Musa said his 39 years of service had exposed him to Nigeria’s deepest security gaps and pledged to conduct a full review of military operations once confirmed.
He identified critical deficiencies in technology, logistics and inter-agency coordination, stressing that without adequate funding, “success will be extremely difficult.”
He said security must be community-driven.
“If we do not carry communities along, we will continue to run into problems. Governors must also work together regionally because bandits do not respect borders.”
He added that stronger collaboration with Cameroon, Niger, Chad and Benin was vital because insecurity in those countries directly affects Nigeria.
On legal reforms, he insisted that outdated laws hinder justice.
“When punishment is swift, it serves as deterrence. We must modernise our laws,” he said.
Musa reaffirmed that modern warfare relies heavily on technology and urged investment in surveillance systems, intelligence tools, precision weapons and advanced communication networks.
He promised to return to the Senate with a detailed list of the Ministry of Defence’s needs.
“We can win this war, but we must work together,” he said.
In closing, Akpabio said the Senate was also taking legislative steps to address insecurity. He revealed that the Red Chamber had introduced a bill designating kidnapping as terrorism punishable by death and invited Musa to present a paper at the forthcoming National Assembly security summit on measures that could help restore peace nationwide.
“We want to give you the enabling framework. If they are not deterred, they will face the death sentence,” Akpabio said.
The screening exercise, which lasted about three hours, ended with the Senate asking Musa to take a bow and leave the chambers.
The Senate thereafter reverted to plenary, where his nomination as the Minister of Defence was confirmed.
