Nigerians Celebrate General Musa’s Nomination as Defence Minister

Yesterday, President Bola Tinubu named General Christopher Musa as the new Defence Minister, pending Senate clearance.

According to reports, Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Advisor on Information and Strategy, revealed Musa’s nomination in a statement released on Tuesday afternoon.

The President in a letter to the Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed confidence in General Musa’s capacity to manage the Ministry of Defence and further develop Nigeria’s security architecture.

Recall that Musa’s nomination came days after Mohammed Badaru Abubakar resigned as Nigeria’s defence minister.

Abubakar had resigned on the grounds of health.

A few hours before to Badaru’s resignation, the former CDS held a private meeting with the President in the Presidential Villa, where he was spotted on Monday.

Reactions have reportedly followed President Tinubu’s selection of him as Defense Minister.

Mutfwang commends Tinubu

In response, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the governor of Plateau State, congratulated the former chief of defense staff on President Bola Tinubu’s selection of him as minister of defense.

In a statement published by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, the governor hailed Musa as a qualified and daring officer whose service has contributed greatly to national security.

He added the former CDS displayed professionalism, discipline and devotion in different command posts, 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 indicates President Tinubu’s confidence in his abilities to build Nigeria’s defence architecture and lead continuing operations against terrorism, banditry and other security threats.

He expressed optimism that the retired military leader will bring newfound enthusiasm and excellent strategies to the role.

Musa’s nomination timely – Gov Sani

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State also praised Musa’s appointment as Minister of Defense.

In a statement posted on his X account, the governor described the appointment as well-deserved, stressing that it displays the president’s faith in Musa’s expertise, honesty and dedication to national service.

Sani said the selection underlines the administration’s commitment to bolstering Nigeria’s security architecture.

He noted that his close working connection with the former Defence Chief provides him certainty that Musa is “a round peg in a round hole.”

The governor stated that the country stands to gain from Musa’s experience and patriotism and encouraged the Senate to expedite the screening and confirmation process.

“General Musa’s nomination evokes deep gratitude for us in Kaduna State,” Governor Sani stated.

Communities that had previously suffered severe security issues were stabilized thanks in large part to his astute advice and unwavering support. The modest but considerable benefits we recorded bore his abiding imprint.”

‘Round peg in round hole’ – Shehu Sani

Shehu Sani, a former senator from Kaduna Central, also praised the nomination.

In a post using his verified X handle on Tuesday, Sani described the appointment of General Musa as a round peg in a round hole.

Sani remarked, “The appointment of former CDS Christopher Musa as Defense Minister is about a round peg in a round hole.”

Adamu Garba told terrorists to “get ready to die.”

Meanwhile, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Adamu Garba, has advised terrorists in the northern portion of the country to either surrender or be prepared to die.

Garba’s warning followed Tinubu’s nomination of Musa as the next Minister of Defence.

The APC leader cautioned that terrorists should be ready to experience the death they desire for others now that Musa has been appointed Minister of Defense.

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 claimed 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 submit or perish; no middle ground.”