Tension erupted in the Nigerian Senate on Wednesday during the screening of retired General Christopher Musa, former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), as the nominee for Minister of Defence, as lawmakers clashed over the depth of questioning allowed.
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The session turned chaotic when Senator Sani Musa, representing Niger East Senatorial District, proposed that the nominee be permitted to “take a bow” – a procedural shortcut allowing minimal scrutiny – after answering just a few questions. His suggestion was swiftly rejected by several colleagues, who insisted on a more rigorous interrogation to hold the nominee accountable.
As objections mounted, senators rose to their feet in protest, shouting and disrupting the chamber for several minutes. Senate President Godswill Akpabio eventually intervened, invoking the chamber’s rules to restore order and urging lawmakers to calm down. “The purpose of this session is to ask questions that will reassure Nigerians during this period of heightened insecurity,” Akpabio emphasized.
Addressing General Musa directly, the Senate President highlighted a recent security lapse, calling on the nominee to investigate the reported withdrawal of soldiers from a school in Kebbi State – the site of a fresh abduction of schoolgirls that has heightened public concern over national safety.
In his responses, General Musa expressed profound regret over Nigeria’s persistent insecurity, describing it as “very unfortunate.” He advocated for strengthening the Safe School Initiative, pointing out that many educational institutions remain “exposed and vulnerable” to attacks. The nominee stressed the urgency of a “whole-of-society” strategy, integrating advanced technology, community involvement, and synchronized security operations to combat recurring kidnappings.
Musa also called for enhanced accountability within the armed forces and greater collaboration across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). “Many agencies are not operating at full capacity,” he noted, adding that harmonization with neighboring countries is essential given the cross-border nature of terrorism. He warned that disunity among security institutions could prove costly, as “terrorists perceive Nigeria as rich and therefore a prime target.”
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Reiterating a commitment to a “zero-tolerance policy” on terrorism and banditry, the retired general emphasized localized security efforts anchored in community partnerships. He further identified outdated laws as a barrier to progress, urging their swift review. Unregulated mining emerged as a key concern, with Musa describing it as a primary funding source for criminal networks and calling for stricter oversight enabled by modern technology.
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