The Ministerial nominee for the Defence portfolio, Musa, on Wednesday appeared before the Senate for screening as part of the constitutional procedure for confirmation of presidential appointees.
Musa, who was presented to the Red Chamber by the Senate President, arrived the chamber in the company of security aides and supporters and was subjected to preliminary documentation checks before the commencement of the exercise.
The screening followed the transmission of a fresh list of ministerial nominees to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu in line with Section 147 of the 1999 Constitution.
During the session, senators grilled the nominee on matters relating to national security, counter terrorism strategies, civil military relations and the capacity of the Armed Forces to tackle the country’s persistent security challenges.
The lawmakers also sought Musa’s views on the fight against insurgency, banditry, kidnappings and the protection of critical national infrastructure across the country.
The Defence Ministry plays a key role in coordinating the operations of the Nigerian Armed Forces, which include the Army, Navy and Air Force, in addressing internal and external security threats.
The screening comes amid heightened security concerns across several parts of the country, including renewed attacks in the North East, banditry in the North West and farmer herder conflicts in the Middle Belt.
At the end of the exercise, the Senate is expected to deliberate on the performance of the nominee before voting on whether to confirm or reject the appointment.
The Upper Chamber has scheduled further screening sessions for other nominees forwarded by the President.
