By Mathew Dadiya
Nigeria’s newly sworn-in Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has vowed to deliver rapid, measurable improvements in national security.
He assured citizens that the armed forces under his leadership will take “whatever steps are necessary” to restore peace across the country.
Musa made these statements at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Thursday, shortly after President Bola Tinubu administered his oath of office.
The former Chief of Defence Staff was confirmed by the Senate on Wednesday, following the resignation of Mohammed Badaru for health reasons.
In an address to State House correspondents, the new defence minister stated that his immediate priority is to strengthen collaboration within the military and deepen cooperation with other security agencies.
He emphasised that security cannot be achieved without the collective efforts of citizens and operatives alike.
“My immediate priority is to ensure that the defence sector fully assumes its responsibilities in the country.
“We need synergy between the armed forces, synergy with other security agencies, and synergy with all Nigerians. Security is everybody’s responsibility.
“We will build on that, work on it, and I assure you that within the shortest possible time, Nigerians will see results,” the new defence minister assured.
Musa expressed gratitude for the support he has received from Nigerians since leaving office as CDS and promised to repay their confidence with tangible results. “Nigerians have shown me love,” he said.
General Musa said, “I guarantee them that I will work — whatever it takes to ensure that Nigeria is secure.”
Regarding the fresh directives issued by President Tinubu, Musa noted that the President emphasised the need for Nigerians to feel safe again in every part of the country.
“I just met with Mr President, and he reiterated that we must ensure Nigeria is secure,” he stated. “Nigerians should be able to sleep with their eyes closed, return to their farms, and schools should reopen without fear.
“Everyone must be involved to ensure Nigeria continues to grow in line with the Renewed Hope programme”, he added.
Also speaking at the appointment ceremony was Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, who expressed confidence that Musa’s emergence signals a renewed seriousness in tackling insecurity.
The defence minister indicated that he was also representing the Sultan of Sokoto at the Villa.
“We just need the restoration of normalcy in this country by any means possible, and I believe this job is in very good hands,” Kukah said. “It seems quite clear that the President wants to reposition security, and the situation is in capable hands.”
