The Senate has scheduled the confirmation hearing for the new Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), for Wednesday, December 3, 2025. This rapid movement through the legislative process underscores the critical importance the government places on national security.
The Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, confirmed the development in a statement released on Tuesday by his Directorate on Media and Public Affairs. General Musa’s nomination follows the recent resignation of the former Defence Minister, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar.
In his statement, Senator Bamidele noted that the Senate is “already in possession of the request of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to screen his defence minister nominee.” He confirmed that the nomination letter would be formally read on the Senate floor on Wednesday, immediately followed by the screening of the nominee. This immediate action is consistent with Section 147 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which governs ministerial appointments.
“We cannot delay such a request, especially at this crucial time in the history of our fatherland,” Senator Bamidele emphasized. “We are treating the request as a matter that directly touches the core interest of our nation so that the federal government can sustain its campaigns against bandits, extremists, terrorists and other forces undermining our national security.”
The Senate Leader stressed the need for synergy between the Presidency and the National Assembly to ensure peace and stability, particularly since the President has declared a State of Emergency on national security. He framed the prompt screening as a demonstration of this commitment, purely in the national interest.
General Musa’s nomination comes barely five weeks after he retired as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on October 30, following what was officially described as a routine retirement drill. His appointment was announced just hours after Alhaji Badaru, who had served in the defence position since 2023, tendered his resignation.
The quick turnaround has raised some questions, prompting clarification from sources close to the Presidency. According to a credible source speaking to Zoyols Blog late Tuesday, some ministers close to President Tinubu advocated for installing an individual with a deep military background and firsthand knowledge of Nigeria’s complex security landscape as the new Defence Minister.
Retired Brigadier General Mohammed Kabir Galadanchi, when reached for comment, expressed strong confidence in General Musa’s capacity to support the President effectively in addressing Nigeria’s multifaceted security challenges.
