Yesterday, President Bola Tinubu nominated General Christopher Musa as the new Defence Minister, pending Senate clearance.
DAILY POST reported that Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed Musa’s nomination in a statement he issued on Tuesday afternoon.
The President in a letter to the Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed confidence in General Musa’s ability to lead the Ministry of Defence and further strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
Recall that Musa’s nomination comes days after Mohammed Badaru Abubakar resigned as Nigeria’s defence minister.
Abubakar had cited health grounds as reason for his resignation.
The former CDS was sighted at the Presidential Villa on Monday, where he had a private meeting with the President a few hours before Badaru’s resignation.
DAILY POST reports that reactions have since trailed his nomination as Defence Minister by President Tinubu.
Mutfwang commends Tinubu
In his reaction, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, congratulated the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff on his nomination as Minister of Defence by President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement issued by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, the governor described Musa as a competent and courageous officer whose service has contributed significantly to national security.
He said the former CDS demonstrated professionalism, discipline and commitment in various command roles, including Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Commander of the Infantry Corps, and head of Sector 3 of both Operation Lafiya Dole and the Multinational Joint Task Force.
Mutfwang said General Musa’s nomination reflects President Tinubu’s confidence in his ability to strengthen Nigeria’s defence architecture and lead ongoing efforts against terrorism, banditry and other security threats.
He expressed optimism that the retired military chief will bring renewed vigour and effective strategies to the position.
Musa’s nomination timely – Gov Sani
On his part, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani also hailed the nomination of Musa as Minister of Defence.
In a statement posted on his X handle, the governor described the appointment as well-deserved, noting that it demonstrates the president’s confidence in Musa’s competence, integrity and dedication to national service.
Sani said the nomination underscores the administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.
He added that his close working relationship with the former Defence Chief gives him assurance that Musa is “a round peg in a round hole.”
The governor urged the Senate to fast-track the screening and confirmation process, saying the nation stands to benefit from Musa’s experience and patriotism.
“For us in Kaduna State, General Musa’s nomination evokes deep gratitude,” Governor Sani said.
“His wise counsel and firm support were instrumental in stabilising communities that once faced serious security challenges. The modest but significant gains we recorded bear his enduring imprint.”
‘Round peg in round hole’ – Shehu Sani
Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, also lauded the nomination.
In a post via his verified X handle on Tuesday, Sani described the choice of General Musa as a round peg in a round hole.
“Ex CDS Christopher Musa’s choice as Defence minister is about a round peg in a round hole,” Sani said.
Prepare to die – Adamu Garba to terrorists
Meanwhile, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Adamu Garba, has warned terrorists in the northern part of the country to either surrender or be prepared to die.
Garba’s warning followed Tinubu’s nomination of Musa as the new Minister of Defence.
The APC chieftain warned that with the coming of Musa as Minister of Defence, terrorists should be prepared to taste the death that they wish for others.
In a statement via X, Garba wrote: “General C.G Musa, as the Minister of Defence, will restore high morale and high confidence in the rank and file of the military across the country.
“It will further strengthen the confidence level of the Nigerian public in the willingness, readiness, and ability of the Nigerian Government to move forward and eliminate the threat of terrorism in our country.
“General Musa earned this office through merit, competency, and delivery, unlike the usual political consideration dominating ministerial positions. It can be said that he forms part of the Military Technocrats within the Tinubu Administration’s cabinet.
“I congratulate President Tinubu for this well-informed decision. I congratulate General C.G Musa for his new role.
“Most importantly, I congratulate Nigerians for standing firm on what is right, regardless of all other primordial considerations.
“Finally, I congratulate the terrorists, for what they wished others for, DEATH, has finally come to them. They should either surrender or die; no middle ground.”
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
