Gen. Musa takes over as Defence Minister, in closed- door meeting with service chiefs

By Sumaila Ogbaje

In line with his promise to kick the ground running, retired Gen. Christopher Musa went into closed- door meeting with service chiefs on immediately after assuming office as Nigeria’s defence minister on Friday.

Musa arrived at Ministry of Defence, Ship House, Abuja at about 11:10 a.m., inspected the quarter guard in line with military tradition, and exchanged pleasantries with service chiefs and top officials on arrival.

He immediately went in a closed-door meeting with the service chiefs and directors of the ministry.

Gen. Musa, appointed on Tuesday by President Bola Tinubu following the resignation of former minister Muhammed Badaru, was confirmed by the Senate on Thursday.

His appointment, welcomed across various sectors, is expected to further strengthen defence operations, with many citing his record of firm and innovative leadership as defence chief between 2023 and 2025.

‘Nigeria must be secured’

Speaking after he was sworn in by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Musa said his immediate priority will be to reposition Nigeria’s defence defence architecture and strengthen cooperation among all security formations.

“My immediate priority is to make sure that defence takes its place fully in the country. The synergy between the armed forces, between the armed forces and other security agencies, and all Nigerians being carried along, as we have always said, security is everybody’s responsibility,” he said.

“It is that synergy that we need to build on and work on, and that’s what we are going to do. I can assure you, within the shortest possible time, Nigerians will see results.

“I want to use this medium to appreciate all Nigerians. Nigerians have shown me love, and I will guarantee them that I am going to work, whatever it takes, to ensure that Nigeria is secured,” he said.

He also revealed that President directed him to ensure restoration of security nationwide as a matter of urgency.

“Yes, I just met Mr President, and he reiterated his mind on the aspect that we must make sure that Nigeria is secured.

“Nigerians should go back and sleep with their eyes closed; go back to their farms; schools open without being molested. Everyone being carried together to make sure that Nigeria continues to grow in line with the renewed programme of Mr President,” he said.