Popular Mandate, Brutal Demands: Musa Steps In as Nigeria’s Security Nightmare Meets Its Waterloo

By Mogaji (Hon.) Seye Oladejo

The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) congratulates General Christopher Musa (Rtd) on his appointment and assumption of duty as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence. His emergence is not just a routine administrative transition; it symbolizes a renewed national resolve to decisively confront the security challenges that have tested our collective resilience as a nation.

General Musa steps into this critical office with a popular mandate built on public confidence, a career steeped in operational experience, and a proven track record in overseeing some of the most complex theatres of security operations in recent history. Nigerians know his name. They know his service. And they know what they expect of him.

But alongside this popular mandate come humongous national demands- demands that must be met with courage, clarity, and uncompromising dedication.

We Note His Assurance, Confidence, and Commitment

The Lagos APC notes General Musa’s firm words of assurance, his implicit confidence, and his unmistakable commitment to delivering on this national assignment. His tone reflects readiness. His posture reflects responsibility. His message reflects the mindset of a man fully aware of the weight placed on his shoulders.

We join him in calling for the cooperation, understanding, and support of all and sundry – from citizens to security agencies, from communities to institutions – because national security is a collective responsibility. No Defence Minister, no matter how seasoned, can triumph without a united nation behind him.

A Nation in Transition Cannot Afford Hesitation

Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment in its security evolution. Decades-old threats have mutated. New actors have emerged. Hybrid warfare – where terrorism, banditry, sabotage, economic subversion, and political opportunism intersect – has become the new reality.

The expectations on the new Defence Minister are, therefore, unprecedented:
• Reinforce and modernize the armed forces to deliver optimal operational effectiveness.
• Strengthen intelligence synergy to stay ahead of enemies of the state.
• Restore public confidence in national security institutions.
• Lead a coordinated offensive that leaves no hiding place for terrorists, criminals, and saboteurs.

This is not a portfolio for the timid. It is a mandate for a soldier-statesman.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Has Demonstrated Unambiguous Resolve

General Musa’s appointment reaffirms President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to securing Nigeria. At every turn, the President has shown the political will to confront the hydra-headed monster of insecurity, and this latest decision further cements that resolve.

The Lagos APC urges the new Defence Minister to bring his depth of experience to bear, complementing the President’s Renewed Hope Security Architecture with strategic innovation, disciplined execution, and relentless pursuit of national stability.

Security Saboteurs Must Take Notice

The enemies of Nigeria – those who profit from chaos, those who cheer insecurity as political capital, those who sabotage operations from within – must understand that a new sheriff has arrived at the Defence Headquarters.

Under the watch of General Musa (Rtd), the nation expects:
• A clean-up of compromised elements within the system;
• A merciless disruption of terror financing and logistics pipelines;
• A non-negotiable protection of ordinary citizens who continue to bear the brunt of insecurity.

Conclusion

As General Musa assumes this weighty responsibility, he carries with him not only the trust of the Commander-in-Chief but also the expectations of a nation yearning for definitive victory over insecurity.

Popular Mandate. Humongous Demands. Historic Opportunity.
The Lagos APC stands firmly behind him and urges all Nigerians to play their part in ensuring his success.

Mogaji (Hon.) Seye Oladejo
Lagos APC Spokesman
05/12/25