Senate confirms ex-CDS Christopher Musa as defence minister

The senate has confirmed Christopher Musa, the immediate past chief of defence staff, as the new defence minister.

Musa’s nomination was approved on Wednesday after senators scrutinised his military background and responses to questions on key issues regarding security.

Musa assured lawmakers of his commitment to serve Nigeria diligently if confirmed as a minister.

“I believe that the challenges we are facing is a Nigerian challenge, not only for the armed forces or security forces, but for everyone working together,” Musa said.

“I want to assure you, we will win working together as a team. Even when I was CDS, I tried to harmonise all the teams and service chiefs.

“There are a lot of gaps and constitutional lacuna that are affecting operations. We will follow up to make sure everyone is on board.”

He also canvassed for a comprehensive and unified data base in Nigeria to assist security agencies in their operations.

Musa called for proactive local and sub-national governments, and the Nigerian legal system to address insecurity.

He called for the end of ransom payments to kidnappers, bandits and terrorists in Nigeria.

“There should be no negotiation with criminals. If you negotiate with them, they will never abide by it. They use the money to buy more arms,” he said.

The former defence chief noted that subsequent recruitment into the armed forces will be thorough.

On the claims of Christian genocide in the country, Musa said all Nigerians are victims of terrorism.

“We are all victims; everybody is being killed,” he said.

“We must stop the killings. Nigerians should not be killed. We must unite. These are evil people who are on drugs, they kill everyone, they don’t know who is who.”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended Musa for taking time to answer all the questions asked.

“I have not seen any nominee who have answered all questions since 1999,” he said.

“We want to urge you to visit the defence industries as soon as you take over.”

Following the screening, Akpabio put Musa’s nomination to a voice vote, which was unanimously approved.