The Nigerian Senate is set to conduct a crucial screening exercise today, Wednesday, 3 December 2025, for the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, retired General Christopher Musa, who has been nominated as the new Minister of Defence.
Urgent Response to Security Challenges
This screening forms a key part of the Upper Chamber's strategic response to the country's persistent security challenges. The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, confirmed the schedule in a statement issued by his Directorate on Media and Public Affairs on Tuesday. He stressed the profound significance of this process for ensuring internal peace and stability across Nigeria.
The nomination of General Musa followed the resignation of the former Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, who cited health issues as his reason for stepping down. Consequently, President Bola Tinubu forwarded the name of the former defence chief as the new ministerial nominee in a formal letter to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, also on Tuesday.
Constitutional Process and National Interest
Senator Bamidele confirmed that the Senate had already received President Tinubu's request to screen the defence minister-nominee. The letter is scheduled to be read on the floor of the Senate today, after which the screening will commence immediately. This action will be carried out in strict compliance with Section 147 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
"We cannot delay such a request, especially at this crucial time in the history of our fatherland," Bamidele stated emphatically. He elaborated that the Senate is treating the matter as one that directly touches the core interest of the nation. This urgency is to enable the federal government to sustain its campaigns against various threats to national security.
The Senate Leader outlined the primary adversaries in the government's security campaign:
- Bandits
- Extremists
- Terrorists
- Other forces undermining national security
A Synergy for Peace and Stability
Bamidele highlighted the necessity for collaboration between the executive and legislative arms, especially since President Tinubu 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," he asserted.
He concluded by framing the screening exercise as a concrete demonstration of this essential synergy, pursued purely in the overriding national interest. The expedited process underscores the government's commitment to filling the critical defence portfolio without delay, ensuring leadership continuity in the face of ongoing security operations.
