Senate President Godswill Akpabio declined appeals to permit former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Defence Minister nominee, General Christopher Musa, to “take a bow and go,” insisting the Senate must carry out a thorough vetting, noting that United States President Donald Trump is putting pressure on Nigeria.
On Wednesday, the former CDS appeared before lawmakers following his nomination by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to serve as Minister of Defence.
During the session, Sani Musa, senator representing Niger East, suggested that the ex-chief of defence staff (CDS) be allowed to take a bow and leave without extended questioning.
“Bow and go” is a tradition in the upper chamber where certain nominees are confirmed with minimal interrogation, but Akpabio refused to apply this approach to the former military chief.
He stressed that Nigerians ought to hear directly from Musa at a period when nationwide security worries remain intense.
“Even Nigerians will love to ask him questions at a time like this, so if we come here and we do politics, politics of bow and go… this is not a period we should say bow and go,” he said.
“Even Donald Trump is on our neck; we have not yet asked him what his response will be to Donald Trump, the president of America.”
Akpabio maintained that Musa must address security-related questions since he is being considered to head the defence ministry.
“He is not just anybody; he is the chief of defence staff and a nominee for minister of defence of a country, and you stand up and say he should take a bow and go with so many questions on the mouths of Nigerians with over 200 Nigerian children in the bush kidnapped and being tortured,” the senate president said.
He noted that Musa’s nomination has raised high public expectations, adding that “his appointment is heralded all over Nigeria with happiness because Nigerians believe he has something to offer.”
“Give the man an opportunity to give Nigerians hope.”
Musa was eventually confirmed by the Senate after responding to lawmakers’ questions for more than three hours.
Musa’s appointment comes at a period marked by escalating concerns over kidnappings, insurgent attacks, and mass abductions, including the continued captivity of over 200 schoolchildren held by bandits.
What do you think should be Musa’s priority after being confirmed as defence minister? Share your thoughts in the comments.
