December 03, (THEWILL) — The Senate on Wednesday erupted into a rowdy session after lawmakers rejected a motion to allow former Chief of Defence Staff and ministerial nominee, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), to “take a bow and go.”
The proposal, moved by Senator Sani Musa, sought to excuse the nominee from questioning in line with a tradition occasionally extended to former service chiefs and ex-lawmakers.
But the suggestion immediately triggered loud objections across the chamber, with several senators arguing that Nigeria’s security challenges demanded a rigorous and transparent screening.
Presiding over the session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio ruled out any attempt to waive the process, insisting that Nigerians deserved substantive answers from the man being considered for the Defence portfolio.
“This is not the time for politics of ‘bow and go.’ Even Donald Trump is on our neck. We’ve not asked him what his response will be to Donald Trump.
“A nominee for Minister of Defence—and you say he should take a bow and go—with so many questions on the lips of Nigerians and over 200 children still in the bush being tortured. Let’s give the man the opportunity to give Nigerians hope,” Akpabio said.
His remarks drew applause from senators who maintained that insecurity remains one of the country’s most urgent challenges, and that anyone aspiring to lead the Defence Ministry must demonstrate clarity, competence and accountability.
Order was eventually restored as lawmakers proceeded with intense questioning focused on insurgency, banditry, military welfare, rescue missions and broader security reforms.
Gen. Musa, who recently retired after being removed as Chief of Defence Staff, was appointed on Tuesday by President Bola Tinubu as Minister of Defence.
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