Senate Rejects ‘Bow and Go’ Proposal, Demands Full Screening for Ex-CDS Christopher Musa

A tense scene erupted in the Senate on Wednesday as lawmakers rejected a proposal to excuse Christopher Musa, former Chief of Defence Staff and ministerial nominee, from the standard questioning process.

The disruption began when Senator Sani Musa of Niger East suggested that Musa should be allowed to “take a bow and go” during his screening. The proposal drew immediate opposition, with several senators rising in protest and the chamber becoming visibly unsettled. Senator Garba Maidoki of Kebbi South expressed his frustration, approaching Senate President Godswill Akpabio and insisting that Musa be fully questioned.

Akpabio intervened, emphasizing the importance of the exercise. He reminded senators that the screening is a serious process meant to provide the public with direct answers from nominees, particularly given the nation’s pressing security concerns. “Our constituents will like to hear from him. We are asking him questions because our constituents would like to ask him questions too,” he said. “This is not a period we should say bow and go. Even Donald Trump is on our neck. With over 200 children in the bush being tortured, give the man an opportunity to give Nigerians hope. It is not like we don’t like him.”

After order was restored, the Senate proceeded with a full and detailed questioning of the retired military officer.