Senators To Question Defence Minister Pick As Date For Screening Is Revealed

The Nigerian Senate has announced that it will screen the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, for the position of Minister of Defence on Wednesday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

This was disclosed on Tuesday by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, through a statement from his Directorate on Media and Public Affairs.

Senator Bamidele highlighted the importance of the screening in promoting internal peace and national stability. He confirmed that the Senate has already received a request from President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to vet his nominee for the defence ministry.

He further stated that the President’s letter “will be read on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday, after which the chamber will immediately commence the screening of the nominee in accordance with Section 147 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”

Bamidele emphasized the urgency of the process, saying, “We cannot delay such a request, especially at this critical time in our nation’s history. This matter directly touches the core interests of our country, ensuring that the federal government can continue its efforts against bandits, extremists, terrorists, and other threats to national security.”

He added that, following the declaration of a State of Emergency on national security, “both the Presidency and National Assembly must collaborate closely to ensure peace, stability, and effective governance. Screening the defence minister nominee is a key demonstration of this national synergy.”

General Musa’s nomination comes after the resignation of former Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, who stepped down citing health reasons. President Tinubu subsequently forwarded Musa’s nomination to the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for screening.