The Senate has scheduled the screening of former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, for Wednesday following his nomination as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Senate Majority Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, in a statement released by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs. Bamidele described the upcoming screening as a crucial step in bolstering the country’s security architecture and safeguarding internal stability.
General Musa’s nomination follows the resignation of the immediate past Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who stepped down citing health-related reasons.
According to Bamidele, the president’s request has been formally transmitted to the Senate and will be read during Wednesday’s plenary before lawmakers proceed straight to the screening, in compliance with Section 147 of the 1999 Constitution.
“We cannot afford any delay, particularly at a time like this. This is a matter that touches the core of our national interest, ensuring that government sustains its operations against banditry, terrorism, extremism, and other threats undermining our collective security,” the Majority Leader said.
He further emphasized that the president’s declaration of a national security emergency makes close collaboration between the executive and legislature more important than ever.
“The screening of the ministerial nominee is one of the ways to reinforce that cooperation in pursuit of peace, stability, and effective governance,” he added.