Akpabio Rejects ‘Bow and Go’ for Defence Minister Nominee as Gen. Musa Vows to Probe Abductions, Gen. Uba’s Death

Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday plenary firmly rejected a call for Defence Minister nominee Major General Christopher Musa (rtd.) to be cleared without questioning, insisting that the gravity of Nigeria’s security challenges demands full scrutiny.

“This is not the time for politics of ‘bow and go’,” Akpabio said in response to Senator Sani Musa, who had urged the Senate to allow the nominee to take a 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 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 and being tortured. Let’s give the man the opportunity to give Nigerians hope.”

Watch video…

General Musa, during his screening, addressed mounting public concern over the recent abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the circumstances surrounding the death of General Uba. He pledged a full investigation.

“I was wondering how General Uba himself could be alone when he is supposed to have his own troops with him,” Musa said.

“There are questions that need answering, and we are going to get to the bottom of this to find out what happened, including why those troops withdrew at Baga Kebbi.”

The nominee also spoke broadly about Nigeria’s security landscape, drawing comparisons between regions and urging stronger collaboration among state governments.

“Why the southwest seems to be doing well on security is because all the governors agreed together,” he noted. “That is why, regionally, governors must come together.”

He warned that Nigeria remains a prime target for terrorists operating across the Sahel. “The terrorist we are dealing with thinks Nigeria is so rich that when they come to Nigeria, they can make it. So, anywhere they are doing anything, their target is to come to Nigeria. The Sahel is heating up, and you can see what they are doing to Mali. We do not want that situation to come to Nigeria.”

Musa emphasised the importance of fortifying Nigeria’s borders and enhancing the security of its agencies. “Our border must be secured, and our security forces must be enforced and supported. I pledge to do my best to ensure that Nigeria is secure and safe.”