As part of its strategic response to the country’s security challenges, the Senate has revealed that it will screen the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa as the new Minister of Defence on Wednesday.
Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele made the disclosure in a statement by his Directorate on Media and Public Affairs Tuesday, emphasising the significance of the exercise to ensuring internal peace and stability.
Musa’s nomination followed the resignation of former Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru from his position due to what he ascribed to health issues.
Consequently, President Bola Tinubu nominated the former defence chief as the new Minister of Defence via a letter transmitted to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday.
In a statement issued on Tuesday night, 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.”
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He added that the letter “will be read on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday. Subsequently, the chamber will immediately proceed to the screening of the nominee pursuant to Section 147 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended)”.
“We cannot delay such a request especially at this crucial time in the history of our fatherland.
“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.
“Since the President has declared a State of Emergency on national security, both the Presidency and National Assembly must work hand in hand to ensure peace, stability and good government.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
