• Minister vows swift action as directed by President

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has sworn in former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, (retd) as the new Minister of Defence.

The brief ceremony held at the Presidential Villa, yesterday, saw Musa take the oath of office, 24 hours after the Senate screened and confirmed his nomination

Tinubu had forwarded Musa’s name to the Senate earlier in the week following the resignation of Mohammed Badaru, who stepped down as defence minister on health grounds.

With his background leading the nation’s military at one time, Musa is poised to drive operational enhancements across the armed forces. Stakeholders view the timing as a proactive step to reassure the public and fortify the government’s security architecture.

Speaking to State House Correspondents, Musa assured Nigerians of firm commitment to restoring peace and security across the nation.

Speaking about his immediate priorities, he said: “My immediate priority is to make sure that defence takes its place fully in the country. The synergy between the armed forces and other security agencies and all Nigerians being carried along; security is everybody’s responsibility.”

He highlighted the importance of collaboration, promising, “It is that synergy that we need to build on and work on it and that’s what we’re going to do.”

He assured Nigerians of tangible results, stating, “I can assure you, within the shortest possible time, Nigerians will see results.”

He also expressed gratitude to the public for their support, saying, “I want to use this medium to appreciate all Nigerians. Nigerians have shown me love and I will guarantee them that I am going to work whatever it takes to ensure that Nigeria is secured.”

On directives from President Tinubu, Musa shared that the president emphasised the critical need for nationwide security. He quoted the president as saying, “We must make sure that Nigeria is secured. Nigerians should go back and sleep with their eyes closed. Go back to their farms. Schools open without being molested.” The Minister highlighted the president’s vision of unity and progress, saying, “Everyone is being carried together to make sure that Nigeria continues to grow in line with the renewed programme of Mr. President.”

Also speaking, Archbishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese, Mathew Kukah, representing both the Sultan of Sokoto and his own roots in Southern Kaduna, expressed optimism about the minister’s role. Kukah said: “Everybody knows what the problem is. We just need restoration of normalcy in this country by any means possible. And I think that this job is in very good hands. It seems very clear that the President wants to reposition issues of security and I think the situation is in very good hands.”

Responding to the minister’s call for more punitive measures against terrorists during his screening, Kukah expressed alignment with this stance. He said: “Rain, thunder, sunshine, whatever it takes to get this mess under control. These guys need to be flushed out. Normalcy needs to return to our country. Laughter and joy has to come back to Nigeria within the shortest time possible, all we do is pray for the best.”

Kukah stressed the urgency and seriousness of restoring peace, showing his faith in the new Defence Minister’s capability to address the country’s security challenges effectively.