The managing director and chief executive officer of Absolute Security and Advance Protocol Ltd, Chief Seyi Babaeko, described the appointment of Gen Chris Musa (rtd) by President Tinubu as a choice of competence over convenience.
The private security expert, Babaeko, also said many Nigerians see this move as a thoughtful step in the right direction, and it is fitting to congratulate him while also acknowledging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for choosing competence over convenience.
He said, “Nigeria is standing at a decisive point in its history, with rising insecurity and deep social divisions shaping the national mood. In this context, the appointment of Christopher Gwabin Musa as Minister of Defence feels like more than a routine change of personnel. It carries the weight of renewed hope and signals a clear intention to restore stability and rebuild trust in the institutions meant to keep citizens safe.
“Many Nigerians see this move as a thoughtful step in the right direction, and it is fitting to congratulate him while also acknowledging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for choosing competence over convenience.
“The country is struggling with overlapping crises. Insurgency in the North East, banditry in the North West, communal violence, mass kidnappings, and the displacement of thousands have created a sense of vulnerability across the nation.
“Communities have lost homes and livelihoods, families have been torn apart, and confidence in state protection has weakened. Nigeria needs leadership that understands both the military demands of these challenges and the human side of the suffering they cause.
“General Musa stands out for this moment. At fifty-eight, he is a man shaped by real field experience, not political guesswork. He has commanded units in difficult terrains and previously served as Chief of Defence Staff until October 2025.
He said, “These responsibilities exposed him to the full complexity of Nigeria’s security landscape and tested his leadership under pressure. His appointment is a signal that the country is ready to anchor its security strategy on experience, sound judgment and a proven record of service.
“President Tinubu’s appointment of General Musa shows the level of foresight and seriousness that the moment requires. It reflects a belief that Nigeria’s challenges cannot be addressed with trial and error but with competence and character. The prompt confirmation by the Senate is commendable, allowing the country to move forward with renewed confidence.
“General Christopher Gwabin Musa’s appointment represents more than a change in leadership; it is a call to action for a country searching for peace. It presents an opportunity to imagine a Nigeria where children can attend school without fear, where farmers can return to their fields without worrying about kidnappers, and where citizens believe once again that the state can protect them. It offers a chance to rebuild trust and strengthen the fragile bonds holding the country together.
“At this moment, Nigerians of all political backgrounds, religious beliefs, sexes and races must rise above division and give full support to the new Defence Minister. Peacebuilding requires collective effort. National stability is a shared responsibility.”
