By Gift ChapiOdekina, Abuja

The National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) (Northwest), Hon. Garba Datti Muhammad, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for appointing the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, as the new Minister of Defence.

Hon. Datti, who is also the chairman of the board of NESREA, said President Tinubu has demonstrated good leadership by picking General Musa from Kaduna State to replace Alhaji Muhammadu Badaru Abubakar from Jigawa State, who resigned as Minister of Defence on Monday.

Describing the President’s decision as “a perfect choice,” Hon. Datti said, “General Musa is indeed a round peg in a round hole.”

Hon. Datti expressed optimism that General Musa’s appointment would turn around the security situation in the country for the good.

“On behalf of the entire All Progressives Congress (APC) family in the North West, I extend our profound appreciation to the President/Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for appointing General C.G. Musa as the new Minister of Defence.

“Without mincing words, Mr. President has made the right choice given General Musa’s pedigree as a fine, dedicated, dogged, patriotic, and gallant military officer, who, as the Chief of Defence Staff until October 24, 2025, gave a good account of himself.

“Time and time again, General Musa has proven to be one of the finest military officers that Nigeria has produced. From his days as a General Staff Officer 1, Training/Operations at HQ 81 Division to Commanding Officer, 73 Battalion; Assistant Director, Operational Requirements, Department of Army Policy and Plans; Commander, Sector 3, Operation Lafiya Dole, and Commander, Sector 3 Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Region, General Musa has demonstrated uncommon courage as a soldiers’ soldier.

“During his period as the Chief of Defence Staff, he introduced innovative ways of dealing with the security situation in Nigeria, recording remarkable successes all through. He equally endeared himself and the entire Nigerian military to the citizens. No wonder, he has such  tremendous goodwill among the populace.

“I am optimistic that General Musa would replicate his feats as CDS in his new position as the Minister of Defence,” he said.

While urging General Musa to maintain his military tempo, Hon. Datti wished him a successful tenure as Minister of Defence.