Writing By Bello Wakili; Editing By Godwin Duru
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially sworn in General Christopher Musa (rtd.) as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence, marking a major step in the administration’s renewed efforts to strengthen national security and restore peace across the country.
Shortly after taking the oath of office at the Presidential Villa, General Musa outlined his immediate priorities, emphasizing the urgent need to reposition the defence sector and improve coordination among all security stakeholders.
“My immediate priority is to make sure that Defence takes its place fully in the country,” he said.
“There must be synergy between the Armed Forces, other security agencies, and all Nigerians. Security is everybody’s responsibility, and that synergy is what we need to build and work with.”
The new minister assured Nigerians that tangible progress will be visible soon, while expressing gratitude for the nationwide support he has received.
“Nigerians have shown me love, and I guarantee that I will work whatever it takes to ensure that Nigeria is secure, as long as we work together,” he stated.
General Musa also revealed that President Tinubu reiterated his firm directive during their meeting: Nigeria must be secured to allow citizens return to their normal lives.
According to him, the President stressed that Nigerians “should be able to sleep with their eyes closed, go back to their farms, schools should open without molestation, and everyone must be carried along in building a safer nation.”
Meanwhile, Reverend Hassan Matthew Kukah has welcomed the appointment and swearing-in of the new Defence Minister, describing it as a significant opportunity to restore peace and stability across Nigeria.
Representing the Sultan of Sokoto at the event, Kukah noted the long-standing ties between Sokoto and Southern Kaduna and expressed full confidence in the country’s new defence leadership.
He said the security challenges facing Nigeria are well-known and require urgent and decisive intervention.
Kukah also reacted to General Musa’s earlier comments during his Senate screening, where the minister advocated stronger, more punitive measures against terrorists.
While he did not watch the session, Kukah endorsed any strategy capable of restoring peace.
Bello Wakili
