The Senate will on Wednesday begin the confirmation process for former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, following his nomination as the new Minister of Defence by President Bola Tinubu.
According to Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, the chamber considers the screening urgent.
He said in a statement issued by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs on Tuesday that the exercise is central to efforts to strengthen internal security and stabilise the country.
The development follows the exit of the former minister, Mohammed Badaru.
Badaru stepped down from the cabinet citing health-related concerns, prompting the President to forward a replacement to the legislature.
In the communication to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu requested prompt action.
The letter conveying Musa’s nomination reached the upper chamber on Tuesday, with Bamidele assuring that the content would be formally presented during plenary on Wednesday.
Bamidele explained that the Senate intends to act immediately after the letter is read.
He said the lawmakers would move straight into the screening in accordance with Section 147 of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines ministerial appointments.
He stressed that national security concerns require swift cooperation between both arms of government.
The Senate leader noted that the country cannot afford delays at a time when the government is battling banditry, terrorism and other threats across several regions.
He added that Tinubu’s declaration of a national security emergency underscores the urgency.
Bamidele said the screening represents one of the steps through which the Presidency and National Assembly can jointly reinforce the campaign for peace, stability and effective governance.
