Senate Heat Up As Security Scandals Dominate Screening Of Defence Minister Nominee
•By Admin
ABUJA – THE Senate on Wednesday witnessed tense moments and emotional exchanges during the screening of former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, who was nominated by President Bola Tinubu as Minister of Defence.
What was expected to be a routine “take-a-bow-and-go” session quickly transformed into a fiery interrogation as lawmakers demanded answers to recent security breaches, including the kidnapping of schoolchildren in Kebbi and the capture of Brigadier General Gabriel Oba by terrorists.
The chamber was initially united in praise of the nominee, with several senators describing Musa’s appointment as “widely celebrated across Nigeria.” But the unity was short-lived when Senator Sanni Musa moved a motion that the nominee be asked to take a bow and go so as not to reveal top security matter while responding to questions.
The lawmakers however insisted that his wealth of experience must come with accountability, explanations and assurance of immediate action.
Leading the sharp questioning was the President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio who referenced the recent outcry from the Kebbi State Governor following the abduction of students from a school in Maga.
Akpabio revealed that soldiers had reportedly received prior intelligence of an impending attack, arrived at the school, and even trained the pupils on emergency responses — only to withdraw barely 30 minutes before the kidnappers stormed the premises.
“Somebody gave that order,” Akpabio queried. “Who withdrew the soldiers and why? Children were taken away unhindered. Nigerians want answers.”
He further recalled that the Senate had already set up a committee to investigate the matter, including the whereabouts of Brigadier General Uba, who was abducted after reportedly making a distress call revealing his coordinates.
“When you take a bow and go, where is Brigadier General Uba? When you take a bow and go, where are the children?” he asked sharply. “You must make a statement on this.”
The heated intervention disrupted attempts by some lawmakers to allow Musa an easy passage, forcing the Senate President to call repeatedly for order.
Responding, General Musa described both incidents as “unfortunate, painful and unacceptable,” assuring the Senate that no act of cowardice or negligence within the armed forces would be tolerated under his watch.
“I want to assure Nigerians that we will not stand by and see terrorists exhibit such capacity,” he said. “We are going to fully investigate what happened in Kebbi. Those found culpable—at any level—will face the law.”
According to him, the circumstances of Brigadier General Oba’s abduction also raised disturbing questions, including why the senior officer was without his troops.
“We will get to the bottom of it. It is unacceptable that a general was left alone without adequate security. We will investigate thoroughly,” he emphasized.
Reflecting on his 39-year career, Musa told the Senate that Nigeria’s security challenges cannot be solved by the military alone.
“No single individual or institution can win this war,” he said. “Security is localized. Communities, state governments, all MDAs, the police, civil defence — everyone must be involved. The armed forces provide only 20–25 percent of the solution. The rest is governance and cooperation.”
He advocated stronger border security, enhanced collaboration with neighbouring countries, and a total crackdown on funding sources for terrorists — including illegal mining.
Speaking on the rising kidnappings of students, Musa stressed the need to revisit and strengthen the Safe School Initiative.
“Our schools must be fortified. Many don’t even have perimeter fencing,” he noted. “We will work with communities, deploy technology, and build local first responders. Crime is localized. Solutions must be localized.”
Musa said he would return to the Senate with a detailed assessment of the equipment, logistics and funding needed to prosecute the war against terrorism effectively.
“Without adequate funding, it will be extremely difficult,” he said. “But whatever funds we get must be used accountably. Transparency will be a priority.”
He assured the Senate that once appointed, he would immediately review all ongoing military operations, remove inefficiencies, and ensure maximum professionalism among the ranks.
Senate President disclosed during the session that kidnapping has now been designated as an act of terrorism — a move they said would strengthen the legal framework for prosecuting abductors and their sponsors.
The screening became so emotionally charged and time-consuming that the Senate had to invoke its rules to extend sitting beyond the standard time to complete the process.
Despite the heated debate, senators ultimately expressed confidence in Musa’s credibility, describing him as one of Nigeria’s most experienced military officers.
“We are all happy with your nomination,” the Senate President said. “Nigerians believe you have something to offer. Give them hope.”
In his closing remarks, Musa pledged to defend Nigeria with “every capacity and every resource available.”
“Nigeria is great. Nobody can intimidate us,” he said. “With unity and determination, we will defeat the enemy and secure our country.”
•INDEPENDENTNG.