Akpabio Rejects ‘Bow and Go’ for Defence Minister Nominee, Cites US Pressure as Senate Probes Worsening Insecurity

Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday dismissed the possibility of allowing President Bola Tinubu’s Defence Minister nominee, General Christopher Musa (rtd.), to undergo a simple “take a bow and go” session during his screening at the upper chamber. Akpabio said the severity of Nigeria’s security challenges—and pressure from the United States—required a more rigorous examination of the nominee’s plans and competence.

Presiding over the screening, Akpabio acknowledged that the administration was facing significant international scrutiny, particularly from US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly accused Nigeria of failing to halt violence against Christian communities. He said the Senate owed Nigerians a duty to interrogate the nominee thoroughly in the face of growing insecurity across the country.

“This is not the time for politics of ‘bow and go’. Even Donald Trump is on our neck,” Akpabio said. “A nominee for Minister of Defence, and you stand up and say he should take a bow and go—with so many questions on the mouth of Nigerians and over 200 children still in the bush. Let’s give the man the opportunity to give Nigerians hope.”

Akpabio specifically urged Musa to investigate the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal of soldiers from the school in Kebbi State where dozens of schoolgirls were abducted, an incident that has added to national anxiety.

General Musa, who previously served as Chief of Defence Staff, used the platform to outline his strategy for confronting Nigeria’s security crisis. He stressed the need to strengthen local community participation, integrate modern technology, and adopt a whole-of-society approach to counter banditry and terrorism effectively.

According to him, improving accountability within the armed forces and enhancing cooperation among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) are essential. He noted that many agencies were not operating at full capacity and must harmonise their roles—both internally and with neighbouring countries—given the transnational nature of terrorist networks.

Musa warned that Nigeria had more to lose if its security institutions failed to coordinate, explaining that criminals view the country as a wealthy target. He called for a zero-tolerance policy on terrorism and banditry, backed by grassroots intelligence and community collaboration.

He also urged the review of outdated security laws and identified unregulated mining as a major source of funding for criminal groups. Tighter monitoring, supported by technology, he said, would help block these revenue channels.

General Musa’s nomination follows the resignation of former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru, who stepped down citing ill health. His appointment was formally forwarded to the Senate on Tuesday by President Tinubu and widely anticipated given Musa’s previous leadership of the armed forces.

The confirmation process comes as Nigeria grapples with escalating security challenges, including last week’s mass abduction of 303 students and teachers from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State. Fifty of the abductees have escaped and reunited with their families.

Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, confirmed their return but urged continued prayers for the safe rescue of the remaining victims. According to an update issued by his media aide, Daniel Atori, 251 primary school pupils, 14 secondary students, and 12 teachers remain in captivity.

Musa’s appearance before the Senate thus comes at a critical moment for Nigeria, with public expectations high and the nation seeking assurances that a new defence leadership will offer a decisive path forward.