The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, has assured Nigerians of renewed efforts to tackle insecurity, saying the country will witness tangible improvements within a short period.
Musa gave the assurance on Thursday in Abuja while speaking with State House correspondents shortly after taking the oath of office.
He said his immediate priority is to strengthen the nation’s defence architecture and rebuild synergy among the armed forces and other security agencies.
“My immediate priority is to ensure that Defence takes its rightful place in the country,” he said. “The synergy between the armed forces, between the military and other security agencies, and with all Nigerians must be strengthened. Security is everybody’s responsibility.”
The minister expressed appreciation for what he described as the overwhelming goodwill of Nigerians, adding that he is determined to justify the confidence reposed in him.
“Nigerians have shown me love, and I assure them that I will work, whatever it takes, to ensure that Nigeria is secured. Within the shortest possible time, Nigerians will see results,” he said.
Musa said President Bola Tinubu had given clear and firm directives that security must be restored nationwide.
“I just met Mr President, and he reiterated that we must make sure Nigeria is secured. Nigerians should be able to sleep with their eyes closed, return to their farms and send their children to school without fear,” he said.
He added that national security remains central to the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that all stakeholders must be involved to ensure sustainable growth.
Musa, a former Chief of Defence Staff, returns to the defence sector with heightened public expectations that his experience will help reposition the country’s security outlook.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, has urged the minister to take decisive steps to flush out terrorists and restore normalcy.
Kukah, who spoke after the swearing-in ceremony, said he has confidence in the President’s choice of Musa, describing the appointment as timely and appropriate.
“We just need restoration of normalcy in this country by any means possible. And I think this job is in very good hands,” he said.
He said he attended the ceremony on behalf of the Sultan of Sokoto, noting that Musa hails from Sokoto and also shares roots with him in southern Kaduna.
Kukah also expressed support for Musa’s position during his Senate screening that more robust and punitive measures are needed in dealing with terrorists.
“These guys need to be flushed out. Normalcy needs to return to our country. Laughter and joy have to come back to Nigeria within the shortest time possible,” he said.
