Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday made it clear that Defence Minister nominee General Christopher Musa would not receive a cursory “take-a-bow and go” treatment during his screening at the Senate.
Akpabio acknowledged that the Nigerian government is under international pressure, including from U.S. President Donald Trump, to address the nation’s numerous security challenges.
He emphasized that the purpose of the screening was to ask questions that would reassure Nigerians amid heightened insecurity.
He urged Gen Musa to look into reports surrounding the withdrawal of soldiers from the Kebbi school, where hundreds of schoolchildren were recently abducted.
“This is not the time for politics of ‘bow and go’. Even Donald Trump is on our neck. We’ve not asked him what his response will be to Donald Trump,” Akpabio said.
“A nominee for Minister of Defence, and you stand up and say he should take a bow and go, with so many questions on the mouth of Nigerians and over 200 children still in the bush and being tortured. Let’s give the man the opportunity to give Nigerians hope.”
Gen Musa highlighted the importance of building local community capacity and adopting a whole-of-society approach that integrates technology, citizen participation, and coordinated security operations.
He stressed that such measures are critical to ending recurring incidents of kidnapping.
The nominee also called for greater accountability within the armed forces and for full cooperation among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
He noted that many security agencies were not operating at full capacity and must harmonize their efforts with one another and with neighboring countries due to the transnational nature of terrorism.
“Nigeria has more to lose if security institutions fail to work together,” Musa said, adding that terrorists often perceive the country as rich and therefore a prime target.
He reiterated the need for a zero-tolerance policy on terrorism and banditry, anchored in collaboration with local communities, since security is localized.
Gen Musa also pointed out that several existing laws remain outdated and require urgent review.
He identified unregulated mining activities as a major source of funding for criminal groups and stressed the need for tighter monitoring supported by modern technology.
Gen Musa’s nomination follows the resignation of former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru, who stepped down citing ill health.
Musa had been widely expected to take over from Badaru, and President Tinubu formally forwarded his name to the Senate in a letter transmitted to Akpabio on Tuesday.
The screening comes amid escalating security concerns, including the abduction of 303 pupils and students from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State.
Fifty of the abducted children reportedly escaped and have reunited with their families.
Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, confirmed their return, saying: “As much as we receive the return of these 50 children that escaped with some sigh of relief, I urge you all to continue in your prayers for the rescue and safe return of the remaining victims.”
An update signed by his media aide, Daniel Atori, indicated that 251 primary pupils, 14 secondary students, and 12 teachers remain with their abductors.
