The Return of Christopher Musa

By Zayd Ibn Isah

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (rtd) as Defense Minister, following the resignation of Muhammad Badaru. Musa’s appointment comes not long after he and other service chiefs were relieved of their duties to make way for fresh leadership, as the fight against the enemies of the state intensifies.

General Christopher’s appointment has been widely praised by Nigerians as a round peg in a round hole. It is one of the few decisions made by Mr. President that has not attracted accusations of ethnic or religious bias. In a country where public actions are often viewed through ethnic and religious lenses, the broad acceptance of his nomination is refreshing. Nigerians from different backgrounds, north and south, Christian and Muslim, are commending the President. It shows that, at heart, we are still united. We do not hate one another, and we certainly do not hate our leaders. We simply want the right thing to be done, and we support competence wherever we find it.

As Chief of Defence Staff, General Musa proved to be an officer who knows his onions, a rare breed by every measure. He speaks with the passion and conviction of a patriot, understands the root of Nigeria’s security challenges, and is committed to offering lasting solutions. These qualities explain why many Nigerians questioned his removal in the first place. It appears the President listened to those concerns and has now brought him back from retirement to oversee the defence ministry.

The last few weeks have been particularly difficult for Nigeria. For true lovers of the country, it has been painful to hear Nigeria described in harsh and unflattering terms like “a disgraced country.” While it is a fact that Nigeria is currently grappling with significant security challenges along with international scrutiny, it should also be noted that as a sovereign nation, we are perfectly capable of handling our internal issues, despite the persistent and negative criticism of the present administration. The appointment of General Christopher as Minister of Defence is a critical decision coming at a pivotal moment.

Our sovereignty is under threat and General Musa now carries the hopes and expectations of a nation tired of violence and desperate for peace. It reminds me of the opening line from the BBC television series Merlin: “In a land of myth and a time of magic, the destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of a young man. His name… Merlin.”

In our own time of crisis, as our nation faces serious security challenges, Nigerians have turned their hope toward one man to help deliver the country from its enemies. General Christopher Musa is now the Merlin of our time, and Nigerians are praying that, just like Merlin, he does not disappoint.

A glance at the life and trajectory of the General reveals a track record of dedication and service built up by experience and exploits worthy of recognition. General Christopher Musa will turn 58 years old on December 25. He was born in Sokoto in 1967, and he would attain his primary and secondary school education there, before going on to the College of Advanced Studies in Zaria.

He graduated from the college in 1986 before enrolling in the Nigerian Defence Academy in the same year. General Christopher got his Bachelor of Science degree in 1991 and was immediately commissioned into the Nigerian Army as Second Lieutenant.

Throughout his illustrious career, some of his appointments include that of General Staff Officer 1, Training/Operations at HQ 81 Division. He has also been the Commanding Officer, 73 Battalion; Assistant Director, Operational Requirements, Department of Army Policy and Plans; and Infantry Representative/Member, Training Team, HQ Nigerian Army Armour Corps.

In 2019, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff, Training/Operations, Headquarters Infantry Centre and Corps; Commander, Sector 3, Operation Lafiya Dole; and Commander, Sector 3 Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Region. 2021 marked General Musaʼs appointment to be the Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai. He would become the Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps, before President Bola Tinubu eventually appointed him as the Chief of Defence Staff in 2023, a position he would hold till October 2025.

General Musaʼs service has earned him several recognitions, including the prestigious Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012.

In an official statement, President Tinubu expressed confidence in General Musaʼs ability to lead the Ministry of Defence and further strengthen Nigeriaʼs security framework, especially at a time the nation is battling worsening insecurity.

This stamp of approval, along with the general acceptance of General Musaʼs appointment, would draw a lot of observations. The challenges are immense indeed, but the opportunity to exceed expectations lies within grasp for the new Minister of Defence. It is also worth considering that General Musa is widely regarded as a strategic thinker with deep field experience, especially when it comes to combating insurgency and terrorism. His deep reserve of knowledge about the peculiar security challenges that afflict Nigeria is also a bonus point, and it will surely be put to the test in the coming days.

Nigerians are known to be very demanding of immediate results, especially when they need urgent solutions to pressing matters. I believe that with the full authority of his office, true autonomy, and a direct line to the President, General Musa is in a superb position to deliver the leadership and reforms the Ministry of Defence, the Armed Forces, and the entire nation have been waiting for. One of these would be ensuring that funds are easily accessible for operations and acquisitions crucial to securing our nation and confronting threats to life and property.

While we are hoping that the General uses his magic wand to deliver the country from its dire security straits, we must not forget that the job of securing a nation is not for one man alone; all hands must be on deck. To this end, every Nigerian who truly wants to see our nation fully secured, should be vigilant and supportive of this administration’s efforts.

History is replete with examples of great generals and war leaders who steered their respective countries through difficult times of war and insecurity. General Christopher Musa seems poised to render defining service to our nation as Minister of Defence. All that remains is for Nigerians to not only be on board, but remain calm and believe that together, we can get through this trying phase as a nation.

Zayd Ibn Isah [email protected]

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