President Bola Tinubu yesterday administered the oath of office on former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), officially naming him the nation’s new Minister of Defence.
The brief ceremony, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, came barely 24 hours after the Senate confirmed his nomination following an intense five-hour screening.
During the screening, senators interrogated Musa on recent security breaches, particularly the controversial withdrawal of troops from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State, shortly before the abduction of schoolgirls on November 17.
He told lawmakers he would “immediately set up a full-scale investigation” into the troop withdrawal once he assumes duty. Musa further assured the upper chamber that he would probe the killing of Brigade Commander Brig-Gen. Musa Uba in Borno State, as well as other deadly attacks on senior military officers.
His appointment comes after the resignation of former Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru, who stepped down reportedly on health grounds.
