The hallowed chambers of the Nigerian Senate witnessed a significant commotion on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, during the screening of a ministerial nominee. The session turned rowdy when lawmakers fiercely debated whether to accord the former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (rtd), the traditional parliamentary courtesy of "take a bow and go."
How the Senate Session Descended into Chaos
The controversy began when Senator Sani Musa, representing Niger East, moved a motion. He proposed that the retired General, nominated by President Bola Tinubu for the position of Minister of Defence, should be allowed to take a bow and leave in honour of his service to the nation. This 'bow and go' tradition is typically reserved for former federal lawmakers and certain distinguished nominees, excusing them from rigorous questioning.
However, the motion was met with immediate and loud objections from a substantial number of senators. They insisted that General Musa must undergo proper questioning in line with Senate customs, regardless of his previous military rank. The floor became noisy, with senators standing and shouting at one another, forcing Senate President Godswill Akpabio to repeatedly call for order.
General Musa's Pledge and Public Reaction
Amid the heated atmosphere, General Musa eventually addressed the Senate. He vowed to dedicate his best efforts to tackling the pervasive insecurity in Nigeria if confirmed. The drama inside the Red Chamber quickly sparked reactions from Nigerians online.
Some citizens expressed strong support for the nominee. One commenter, Ahmad Ololu, wrote about a "strong and reassuring pledge," expressing hope for a more proactive security architecture. Another, Kay Soyemi, speculated on General Musa's future political prospects, noting his unique profile as a Northerner, Christian, and minority.
However, other reactions were more cautious. A user named Atobajaye voiced a common concern, hoping the retired General would not become "blinded by eloquent speeches" and end up delivering "empty actions" in his new political role.
Background and Political Endorsements
President Tinubu's nomination of General Musa followed the resignation of Abubakar Bagudu from the cabinet. Notably, the appointment came just one month after the President relieved General Musa of his duties as Chief of Defence Staff in a major security overhaul.
The nomination had already received commendation from Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State. In a statement on Tuesday, December 2, the Governor praised the decision, highlighting the General's experience and capability. This endorsement underscored the significant expectations placed on the nominee to address the nation's security challenges, a point emphasized by another commentator, Eze, who noted that General Musa's own people in Southern Kaduna are among the victims of terrorism.
The Senate has now set a date for the continuation of the screening process, ensuring that the scrutiny of this key defence appointment remains in the national spotlight.
