‘Trump is On Our Neck’: Akpabio Rejects Calls for Christopher Musa to Take a Bow

• Senate President Godswill Akpabio warned Defence Minister nominee Christopher Musa against simply “taking a bow and going” during his screening.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday firmly ruled out any possibility of Defence Minister nominee, General Christopher Musa (rtd), simply “taking a bow and going” during his screening at the upper chamber.

Presiding over the session, Akpabio emphasized the importance of accountability and transparency, highlighting that Nigerians are seeking reassurance amid growing insecurity. He also noted that the United States President, Donald Trump, has pressured Nigeria to tackle its security challenges effectively.

“This is not the time for politics of ‘bow and go’. Even Donald Trump is on our neck. We’ve not asked him what his response will be to Donald Trump,” Akpabio said. “A nominee for Minister of Defence cannot just stand up and give empty words while over 200 children remain in the bush. Let’s give the man the opportunity to give Nigerians hope.”

The Senate President stressed the importance of building community resilience and adopting a whole-of-society approach, integrating technology, local participation, and coordinated security operations to combat the recurring incidents of kidnapping.

In response, Musa underscored the need for accountability within the armed forces and full cooperation among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). He warned that Nigeria risks more if security institutions fail to operate collaboratively, especially as terrorists increasingly view the country as a prime target.

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Musa also highlighted the urgent need to review obsolete laws, monitor unregulated mining funding criminal groups, and adopt a zero-tolerance policy on terrorism and banditry.

The nomination follows the resignation of former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru due to ill health. President Bola Tinubu formally forwarded Musa’s name to the Senate on Tuesday.

The session comes amid rising security concerns, including the abduction of 303 pupils and students from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State. While 50 pupils have reportedly escaped and reunited with their families, 251 primary pupils, 14 secondary students, and 12 teachers remain in captivity.

Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, urged continued prayers for the safe return of all the remaining victims.