“Trump Is On Our Neck”: Senate Blocks ‘Bow-And-Go’ Screening For Defence Minister Nominee Musa

The Senate on Wednesday defied a motion to grant former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), a ceremonial “bow and go” endorsement during his ministerial screening, insisting that the gravity of Nigeria’s security challenges demands accountability — not courtesy.

The motion, tabled by Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), sought to excuse the decorated military chief from answering questions before lawmakers due to what he described as Musa’s years of strategic command at the apex of Nigeria’s defence architecture and a prior closed-door briefing with legislators.

But the proposal ignited a storm on the Senate floor.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio swiftly rejected the motion, ruling that Musa must publicly defend his vision for rescuing Nigeria from spiralling insecurity, mass abductions, and the mounting global scrutiny of the country’s security failures.

> “Even Donald Trump is on our neck,” Akpabio declared, alluding to the growing international spotlight on Nigeria’s worsening security climate.
“This is not the time for politics of bow-and-go. With over 200 children in the bush being tortured, our constituents want to hear from him. Give the man an opportunity to give Nigerians hope.”

Akpabio, who presided over the heated plenary, said the Senate could not wave through such a crucial appointment at a time when the nation grapples with widespread terror attacks, kidnappings, and the threat of destabilisation across its northern borders.

He stressed that the world — including former U.S. President Donald Trump — was watching how Nigeria handles its defence transition, insisting lawmakers had a duty to interrogate Musa’s strategy for restoring national stability.

> “He is not just anybody — he is a former Chief of Defence Staff,” Akpabio added.
“We must ask him what his response will be to global concerns and to Nigerians who are demanding answers.”

Following several hours of rigorous questioning, the Senate later voted unanimously to confirm General Musa as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence.

His confirmation marks a crucial reshaping of the national security command — one that has sparked both domestic expectations and international attention amid escalating threats in the Sahel and deepening insurgent activity at home.