Pelumi Olajengbesi, an Abuja-based lawyer has hailed the appointment of retired General Christopher Musa as Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, describing it as a “befitting” decision and a win for competence in governance. Speaking on Tuesday, Olajengbesi noted that the overwhelming public approval of Musa’s appointment just over a month after his dismissal as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)reflects Nigerians’ desire for skilled technocrats to manage the nation’s critical affairs.
“The dismissal of General Musa as CDS was poorly thought-out and temporarily undermined Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, which was showing measurable progress,” Olajengbesi said. “His return, now as Defence Minister, restores a sense of confidence in the nation’s security leadership.”
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Olajengbesi, Senior Partner at Law Corridor in Abuja, praised Musa’s record as a military strategist, particularly during his tenure as Commander of Operations Hadin Kai, where he led operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents. “General Musa remains one of Nigeria’s finest and blameless military officers. The gains made against insurgency under his leadership were significant, and he is well-suited to coordinate Nigeria’s defence ministry and strategy against violent threats,” he added.
The lawyer urged the new Defence Minister to deliver tangible results, emphasizing that Nigerians expect effective action rather than excuses. “To General Musa, to whom much is expected, do not disappoint Nigerians. Citizens anticipate a significant shift in the strategies deployed against terrorists,” he said.
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Olajengbesi also used the opportunity to call on President Bola Tinubu to reshuffle his cabinet, arguing that loyalty to protecting citizens should take precedence over political patronage. “This is an opportune time for the President to replace underperforming ministers. Nigerians want results,” he said.
The endorsement of General Musa’s appointment signals broader public demand for competence and accountability in key government positions, especially in the nation’s security apparatus, amid ongoing challenges with insurgency and internal security.