By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
President Bola Tinubu has sworn in General Christopher Musa, a former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), as the new Minister of Defence.
Musa arrived at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa at about 3:47 p.m. on Thursday, December 4, and was ushered into the president’s office at the State House, Abuja, to take the oath of office.
Speaking with State House correspondents after taking the oath of office, Musa pledged to do “whatever it takes” to protect the lives of Nigerians, adding that citizens would see results in the shortest possible time as he rebuilds synergy across the security architecture.
The new Minister of Defence said he would restore and strengthen collaboration within the armed forces and among security agencies.
He said: “I can assure you, within the shortest possible time, Nigerians will see results.
“My immediate priority is to make sure that defence takes its place fully in the country. The synergy between the armed forces and other security agencies is important, and [I will ensure that] all Nigerians are carried along.
“As I have always said, security is everybody’s responsibility. It is that synergy that we need to build on and work on, and that’s what we’re going to do.
“I want to use this medium to appreciate all Nigerians. Nigerians have shown me love, and I will guarantee them that I am going to work whatever it takes to ensure that Nigeria is secured.”
The defence minister also disclosed that the president charged him with delivering security that is felt in homes, farms, and schools nationwide.
He said, “I just met the president, and he reiterated his view that we must make sure that Nigeria is secured. Nigerians should go back and sleep with their eyes closed, go back to their farms, and schools should operate without being molested.
“Everyone will be carried along to ensure that Nigeria continues to grow in line with the Renewed Hope Programme of the president.”
The swearing-in ceremony comes a day after the Senate confirmed Musa’s appointment as Minister of Defence following a rigorous five-hour screening.
Musa’s nomination followed the resignation of former Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru, on health grounds.
During the screening session, the former CDS was grilled over recent security lapses, including the controversial withdrawal of troops from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, shortly before schoolgirls were abducted on November 17.
He told lawmakers he would “immediately set up a full-scale investigation” into the troop withdrawal once he assumed duty.
Musa also vowed to probe the killing of Brigade Commander Brig-Gen. Musa Uba in Borno State, along with other attacks on senior military officers.
