The newly sworn-in Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd.), has assured Nigerians of his full commitment to strengthening the nation’s security, declaring that “within the shortest possible time, Nigerians will see results.”
Speaking after taking the oath of office on Thursday before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, General Musa affirmed that safeguarding the country remains his foremost priority.
READ ALSO: President Tinubu Swears in General Musa as Defence Minister
He underscored the importance of unified national efforts in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, stressing that effective synergy is central to achieving lasting results.
General Musa highlighted that the Ministry would deepen collaboration among the armed forces, security agencies, and citizens, noting that national security cannot be achieved in isolation.
“The synergy between the armed forces, other security agencies, and all Nigerians being carried along—as we have always said, security is everybody’s responsibility. It is that synergy that we need to build on and work on, and that’s what we are going to do. I can assure you, within the shortest possible time, Nigerians will see results. I want to use this medium to appreciate all Nigerians. Nigerians have shown me love, and I will guarantee them that I am going to work whatever it takes to ensure that Nigeria is secured,” he said.
General Musa also disclosed the President’s charge to him upon assuming office, noting that President Tinubu emphasised the imperative of restoring security and public confidence across the country.
The Defence Minister noted that President Tinubu issued a clear directive prioritising the restoration of security nationwide, with emphasis on creating an environment where citizens can live, work, and move freely without fear.
“Yes, I just met Mr. President, and he reiterated his mind on the aspect that we must make sure that Nigeria is secured. Nigerians should go back and sleep with their eyes closed. Go back to their farms. Schools open without being molested. Everyone being carried along together to make sure that Nigeria continues to grow in line with the renewed program of Mr President,” he added.
Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, was among the dignitaries at the ceremony, attending in a dual capacity as representative of the Sultan of Sokoto and as a kinsman of the new Defence Minister, given their shared roots in Sokoto and Southern Kaduna.
Clear Intent On Nigeria’s Security
Bishop Kukah noted that President Tinubu had shown a clear intent to reposition the nation’s security architecture and expressed confidence that, with General Musa Rtd appointment, the responsibility is in capable hands.
He says, “First of all, I’m wearing two caps. I’m representing the Sultan of Sokoto, because General Musa was born in Sokoto, and I am in Sokoto, and he’s from Southern Kaduna, and I was born in southern Kaduna, so the Sultan knows I’m here and he brings his greetings, but look, I mean, everybody knows what the problem is.
“We just need restoration of normalcy in this country by any means possible. And I think that this job is in very good hands. It does seem very clearly that the President wants to reposition issues of security, and I think the situation is in very good hands.”
Bishop Kukah stressed the urgency of restoring order across the country, emphasising that every necessary measure must be taken to confront security threats and stabilise affected communities.
He noted that Nigerians have endured prolonged hardship as a result of insecurity and insisted that those responsible for destabilising the nation must be decisively dealt with to allow normal life to return.
“We are on all fours as long as that is concerned ,look, rain, thunder, sunshine, whatever it takes to get this mess under control. These guys need to be flushed out. Normalcy needs to return to our country. Laughter and joy has to come back to Nigeria within the shortest time possible, all we do is to pray for the best.” Bishop Kukah added.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu has sworn in General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Retired.) as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence on Thursday, marking a decisive move in the administration’s ongoing security reforms.
The Nigerian Leader on his official X handle @OfficialABAT described General Musa as a “fine gentleman” whose track record in service positions him to drive a more integrated national security response.
Confidence Okwuchi