“Let’s give the man the opportunity to give Nigerians hope, Trump on our neck” – Akpabio rebukes senators over ‘Bow and Go’ call for Musa

Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday cautioned senators against rushing the screening of former Chief of Defence Staff and Defence Minister nominee, General Christopher Musa (rtd), through a “bow and go” procedure.

Akpabio said the level of pressure on Nigeria from the international community — including the United States under President Donald Trump — makes it necessary for Musa to be thoroughly questioned. He stressed that there are critical issues, especially around national insecurity, that require clear answers.

During Musa’s screening, the Senate session became rowdy as some lawmakers called for him to “bow and go” after his initial responses. Akpabio, however, faulted the move, warning that the screening process should not be reduced to political sentiment.

According to him, the gravity of Nigeria’s security challenges demands a detailed and transparent vetting of the Defence Minister nominee.

According to Akpabio: “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.

“A nominee for Minister of Defence, and you stand up and say he should take a bow and go, with so many questions on the mouths of Nigerians and over 200 children still in the bush and being tortured? Let’s give the man the opportunity to give Nigerians hope