President Bola Tinubu on Thursday swore in former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa as the new Minister of Defence, signalling a renewed push to stabilise Nigeria’s security environment and restore citizens’ confidence.
The ceremony which held at at the Presidential Villa Abuja, drew notable personalities, including the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Reverend Matthew Hassan Kukah, who represented the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III.
Speaking after the event, Bishop Kukah expressed optimism that Musa’s appointment marks a decisive moment in the country’s fight against insecurity.
He said Nigeria needs “restoration of normalcy by any means possible,” adding that the President appears determined to reposition the security sector. Kukah praised the President’s choice, stating that the job is in capable hands.
While reacting to comments made during Musa’s Senate screening about stronger punitive measures against terrorists, he insisted that decisive and uncompromising action is needed.
“Rain, thunder, sunshine, whatever it takes to get this mess under control,” he said. “These guys need to be flushed out. Laughter and joy has to come back to Nigeria within the shortest possible time.”
Speaking moments after taking the oath of office, General Musa assured Nigerians that he is returning to familiar terrain with clarity of purpose.
He said his immediate priority is strengthening synergy among the armed forces, security agencies, and the general public.
According to him, security must be seen as a shared responsibility, and results will follow quickly once collaboration is restored.
“My immediate priority is to make sure that defence takes its place fully in the country,” he said. “The synergy between the armed forces and other security agencies must be rebuilt. I can assure you, within the shortest possible time, Nigerians will see results. Nigerians have shown me love, and I guarantee that I will work, whatever it takes, to ensure that Nigeria is secured.”
General Musa also disclosed that President Tinubu charged him to ensure a nation where citizens can live without fear.
“He reiterated that we must make sure Nigeria is secured,” he said. “Nigerians should go back and sleep with their eyes closed, return to their farms, and schools must open without molestation. Everyone must be carried along to ensure Nigeria continues to grow in line with the Renewed Hope agenda.”
The new minister is expected to immediately engage security leadership as the administration intensifies efforts to end terrorism, banditry, and all forms of violent crime.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
