Northern Governors, Others Hail General Musa’s Nomination As Defence Minister

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, Northern socio-cultural organisation Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), and the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) have welcomed the nomination of Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd) as the new Nigerian Minister of Defence by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday nominated General Musa as the new Defence Minister, pending Senate clearance. According to a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, in a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu conveyed General Musa’s nomination as the successor to Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who resigned on Monday. General Musa, 58, was the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) from 2023 until October 2025, when he was replaced by President Tinubu.

A distinguished military officer, Gen. Musa won the Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012. Born in Sokoto in 1967, General Musa received his primary and secondary education there before attending the College of Advanced Studies in Zaria. He graduated in 1986 and enrolled at the Nigerian Defence Academy the same year, earning a Bachelor of Science degree upon graduation in 1991. General Musa was commissioned into the Nigerian Army as a Second Lieutenant in 1991 and has since had a distinguished career.

His appointments include General Staff Officer 1, Training/Operations at HQ 81 Division; Commanding Officer, 73 Battalion; Assistant Director, Operational Requirements, Department of Army Policy and Plans; and Infantry Representative/Member, Training Team, HQ Nigerian Army Armour Corps. In 2019, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff, Training/Operations, Headquarters Infantry Centre and Corps; Commander, Sector 3, Operation Lafiya Dole; and Commander, Sector 3 Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Region. In 2021, General Musa was appointed Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai. He later became Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps before being appointed Chief of Defence Staff by President Tinubu in 2023.

In the letter to the Senate, President Tinubu expressed confidence in General Musa’s ability to lead the Ministry of Defence and further strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.

Reacting to Gen. Musa’s nomination on Tuesday, some Northern leaders challenged him to meet the high expectations of Nigerians by adopting fresh security strategies to tackle the rising security threats confronting the country.

Gen. Musa’s Nomination as I surpassed Defence Minister Timely – Gov Sani

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has hailed the nomination of former Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd) as Minister of Defence, describing it as well deserved, timely, and a reaffirmation of excellence.

In a statement issued by Governor Sani, he praised President Tinubu for what he called “a profound vote of confidence” in General Musa’s integrity, competence, and national service record.

He noted that the nomination reflects the President’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture, especially at a time when the country has declared a state of emergency on insecurity.

The governor, who said he worked closely with General Musa during his tenure as Defence Chief, described him as “a round peg in a round hole.”

He lauded the retired general for his discipline, strategic clarity, and humane leadership, which he credited with restoring public trust in the Armed Forces.

“For us in Kaduna State, General Musa’s nomination evokes deep gratitude,” Governor Sani said. “His wise counsel and firm support were instrumental in stabilising communities that once faced serious security challenges. The modest but significant gains we recorded bear his enduring imprint.”

Governor Sani urged the Senate to expedite the screening and confirmation of the Defence Minister-designate, stating that the nation stands to benefit immensely from his experience and patriotism.

Gov Mutfwang Lauds Nomination of Gen. Christopher Musa

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has joined countless well-wishers, admirers, and associates in congratulating the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, on his nomination as the new Minister of Defence by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Governor Mutfwang, in a congratulatory message signed by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Mr Gyang Bere, expressed delight over the nomination of General Musa to this highly strategic office following the resignation of Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar.

He conveyed his profound appreciation to President Tinubu for deeming General Musa worthy of the noble responsibility of providing leadership in safeguarding and defending the nation.

Governor Mutfwang described General Musa as a gallant, courageous, and exceptionally competent officer who has made immeasurable sacrifices in fostering peace, unity, and national cohesion.

Middle Belt Forum Urges New Defence Minister to Meet High Expectations of Nigerians

Similarly, the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has welcomed the appointment of Gen. Musa Christopher (rtd) as the new Defence Minister, urging him to meet the high expectations of Nigerians.

In a statement issued by MBF spokesman Luka Binniyat, the forum said it considers Musa’s appointment one of the most significant steps towards restoring stability, protecting vulnerable communities, and rebuilding public confidence in Nigeria’s security architecture.

MBF said: “The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) warmly welcomes the appointment of Gen. Musa Gwabin Christopher (rtd) as Nigeria’s Minister of Defence. His emergence comes at a decisive moment, as the nation confronts a rapidly deteriorating security environment that demands experience, courage, and strategic clarity.”

“The MBF considers his appointment one of the most significant steps yet towards restoring stability, protecting vulnerable communities, and rebuilding public confidence in Nigeria’s security architecture. The Forum congratulates Gen. Musa and urges him to meet the high expectations Nigerians place in his office,” the statement added.

Musa Expected to Make Difference with His New Position – ACF

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed excitement at the appointment of Gen. Christopher Musa as the new Defence Minister.

ACF said it expects Musa to make an impactful difference in his new position.

Reacting to the appointment, ACF National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, said the forum would continue to pray for Musa to succeed, describing him as a round peg in a round hole.

“It is a welcome development and we hope that he will bring his experience to bear. It is the prerogative of Mr President, which he has exercised. It is expected that he will make a significant impact in his new position.”

Security Experts Laud Gen. Musa’s Appointment, Ask President to Allow Him Power over Service Chiefs

Security experts have also praised the appointment of General Musa (rtd) as Defence Minister.

They described it as commendable and as demonstrating the government’s commitment to addressing the country’s challenges.

They, however, called on the President to correct the institutional anomaly of appointing a Minister of Defence without power over the Service Chiefs.

A former Army spokesman, Brig. Gen. Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd), who commended the appointment, said it shows commitment on the part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“It’s a commendable one. His appointment demonstrates the government’s commitment, given his wealth of experience and the goodwill he enjoys. I believe he will make a difference in addressing security challenges, particularly in harmonising and coordinating the country’s security architecture towards a common goal.

“There is nothing about security that anyone will tell him that he doesn’t know, given his wealth of experience. He was the Theatre Commander, the Infantry Corps Commander, and the Chief of Defence Staff. He commanded the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and I believe he will bring all that to bear. We hope and pray that the National Assembly will expeditiously screen and confirm him.”

Group Captain Shehu Sadeeq (rtd) commended the appointment, calling on the President to grant Musa all the powers of the Minister.

He lamented that a Minister who is supposed to coordinate the affairs of the Defence sector lacks control over the Service Chiefs.

He warned that if General Musa is not given the full powers of Minister, “despite his track record, I’m afraid he will not succeed as Defence Minister.”

“The Ministry of Defence faces challenges related to the people we appoint and institutional issues. During the military regime, one formula was introduced, which involved appointing someone in fear without powers, and it remains in place.

It is still there; our Minister’s office in Defence lacks powers.”

He said the institutional problem of sidelining Ministers started with the military, and civilian governments have not corrected it.

“If Tinubu does not correct that, even Musa, with his fantastic record, will not succeed. In a situation where a Service Chief goes straight to the President without the Minister, it is not done anywhere,” he added.

A security consultant, Abdullahi Mohammed Jabi, described the appointment as a welcome development. “Mr President must have seen certain things in him, which is why he called him back. Remember, he had many ideas but couldn’t execute some due to forces against him in office. However, now as a Minister, he will be able to accomplish much. He is a retired military man; he has the skills, the exposure, and the experience, so he can go all out to deal with the situation. Mr President may have obtained valuable information from him that is pertinent to his success; that’s why he brought him back to serve in that capacity. By all rank and status and by professionalism, CG Musa is a combatant officer. I believe he’ll deliver for Nigerians.”

Some Notable Quotes by General CG Musa (rtd)

“The greatest mistake you make as a commander is to make your officers and soldiers feel you don’t care about them.”

“When your life is at stake and you have no other means, you’re allowed to fire. When your colleague’s life is at stake and there’s no other means, you’re allowed to support with fire.”

“Negotiating and making peace deals with terrorists/bandits is counterproductive.”

“Nigeria will not tolerate disrespect from any country.”

“If they don’t come after you, they will go after either your relations — your brother, your sister, your wife or your husband. So, please, nobody should trade with those guys.

“If we do not encourage them, we do not trade with them, they will not survive. That is the important thing we are saying.” — General CG Musa, 25 December 2024.

“The mistakes that were made in the past when this thing (terrorism/banditry) started was that we did not nip it in the bud. We allowed it to reach its current state. But thank God everybody is putting hands together and we are very happy that Nigerians are warming up.” — General CG Musa, 25 December 2025.

“Can we start thinking of fencing our border? We have 1,500 km with the Niger Republic, 1,900 km with Cameroon, and Chad is also there. All around us, we are surrounded by Francophone countries. The Sahel is heating up. If the Sahel falls, it is Nigeria that they are interested in.” — General CG Musa, 3 June 2025.

“True security is not achieved in isolation; it is built through shared intelligence, joint training and coordinated action.” — General Christopher G. Musa, 25 August 2025.

“No member of the Armed Forces should tell you he has not been ordered to take down any criminal killing or destroying property. You are authorised to act.” — General CG Musa.

“I might be retiring from active military service today, but I am by no means retiring from my love for our dear country, Nigeria.

“I remain a soldier at heart and a patriot ever loyal to the constitution and sovereignty of our great nation.” — General CG Musa, 31 October 2025.