The Senate will today screen former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, following his nomination by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the new Minister of Defence.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele disclosed this in a statement issued by the Directorate of Media and Public Affairs yesterday. He said the red chamber had already received the President’s request and would treat it with utmost priority.

According to him, the screening is vital to ongoing efforts to strengthen national security and sustain the Federal Government’s campaign against terrorism, banditry and other threats facing the country.

General Musa’s nomination comes after the resignation of former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru, who stepped down on health grounds.

Bamidele said President Tinubu’s letter would be read during plenary today, after which the screening would commence in line with Section 147 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“We cannot delay such a request at this crucial time in our national history,” he said. “The declaration of a state of emergency on national security requires full cooperation between the Executive and the Legislature. Screening the nominee promptly is part of our responsibility to ensure that the nation’s security architecture remains effective.”

He stressed that the Senate remains committed to supporting ongoing security reforms and strengthening the country’s defence operations.