By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
A former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has pledged to work with relevant stakeholders to ensure the security of the country and end terrorists’ operations.
Musa stated this while fielding questions from senators during his screening on Wednesday, December 3, following his nomination by President Bola Tinubu as the Minister of Defence.
This is even as the Senate confirmed his appointment as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence following a rigorous five-hour screening.
During the screening, Musa pledged to ensure military professionalism as well as quick and adequate response to any security information, assuring the Senate and Nigerians of his commitment to national security.
He called for unified national support to tackle current security threats in many parts of the country.
“I pledge to do my best to ensure that Nigeria is secure and safe. We need the support of everyone, every Nigerian, working together as a team because it’s going to be a team effort,” he stated.
In his response to questions from Senate President, Godswill Akpabio regarding the reported withdrawal of soldiers before school abductions in Maga, Kebbi State, and the widely publicised capture of Brigadier General Uba, Musa promised immediate and transparent investigations, and assured that the military would take decisive action.
He said: “Starting with the issues of General Uba, it is very unfortunate for a brigade commander to be captured and showing the way they did, it’s really unfortunate and very painful..
“I want to assure Nigerians that we will not stand by and see terrorists have the capacity to do such. We are going to go after them, working with all the security agencies and MDAs, we are going to investigate fully,” he said.
Musa promised a zero-tolerance approach to professional misconduct, saying, “No indolence, no act of cowardice will be entertained.
“We are going to make sure that we follow them to see what they are doing, from the commanders down to the troops. They must be professional.”
On the school abductions, Musa said, “It’s unfortunate that the troops will be there and then will leave shortly before something happens. We are going to investigate, and all those found culpable will face the law accordingly.
“We’ll monitor all the activities of the armed forces and security agencies to ensure that they remain very professional. Any information that comes will be treated adequately, and we’ll make sure that the troops also take action as quickly as possible.”
The former CDS stressed that with his 39 years of military service, he has an understanding of the country’s security challenges and would draw from his experience to proffer the necessary solutions.
He said, “I want to assure Nigerians that as I’m coming on board, having served 39 years. All through my career in the armed forces, we have seen what is going on, we have understood what is going on, and we know what we need.
“What I’m appealing is that with your approval, when we come on board, we’ll come back to you and show you what we need for us to do better to achieve success.
“We can win this war, but we must work together; we must get support.”
He also promised continuous operational review and measures to address areas of lapses.
