Retired Gen. Christopher Musa, the newly appointed Minister of Defence and immediate former Chief of Defence Staff, began his duties on Friday at the Ministry of Defence’s Ship House in Abuja.
Musa, appointed by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday following the resignation of former Minister Muhammed Badaru, was confirmed by the Senate on Thursday.
His selection, which has been hailed in a variety of industries, is expected to enhance defense operations, with many highlighting his record of firm and inventive leadership as defense chief between 2023 and 2025.
The new minister arrived at the ministry at about 11:10 am, inspected the quarter guard in line with military tradition, and exchanged pleasantries with service chiefs and top officials on arrival.
Musa is currently in a closed-door meeting with the service chiefs and directors of the ministry.
Musa has assured Nigerians that he will work and do whatever it takes to ensure that Nigeria is secured, promising that within the shortest possible time, Nigerians will see results.
Musa’s statement came as the Catholic Bishop of the Sokoto diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, told the new Minister of Defence to flush out terrorists in the country and ensure that normalcy returns.
Speaking after taking the oath of office at the State House, Abuja, Gen. Musa said his immediate priority is to reposition the nation’s defense architecture and restore its central role in protecting the country.
“My immediate priority is to ensure that Defence takes its rightful place in the country. The synergy between the armed forces, between the military and other security agencies, and with all Nigerians must be strengthened. Security is everybody’s responsibility. It is that synergy we need to build on, and that is exactly what we are going to do.”
He appreciated Nigerians for what he described as overwhelming goodwill, saying he is determined to repay their confidence through decisive action.
“Nigerians have shown me love, and I assure them that I will work, whatever it takes, to ensure that Nigeria is secured. Within the shortest possible time, Nigerians will see results,” he stated.
Gen. Musa also conveyed Tinubu’s clear directives, which he described as firm and non-negotiable.
“I just met Mr. President, and he reiterated that we must make sure Nigeria is secured. Nigerians should be able to sleep with their eyes closed, return to their farms, send their children to school without fear, and live their lives without being molested.”
He emphasized that the President’s renewed hope agenda places national security at the heart of economic and social development.
“Everyone must be carried along to ensure Nigeria grows in line with the Renewed Hope program of Mr. President,” he added.
Speaking to State House correspondents after Musa’s swearing-in at the presidential Villa, Abuja, Bishop Kukah said Nigerians were in safe hands with the former CDS as minister.
Speaking on his expectations from Musa, the Catholic cleric said, “We just need restoration of normalcy in this country by any means possible.
“And I think that this job is in very good hands. It does seem very clear that the President wants to reposition issues of security, and I think the situation is in very good hands.”
