A tense scene unfolded in the Senate on Wednesday, December 3, as lawmakers debated whether to allow President Bola Tinubu’s ministerial nominee and former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa (rtd), to bypass questioning during his confirmation hearing.
The “bow and go” privilege is a parliamentary tradition occasionally extended to former federal lawmakers and other distinguished individuals, allowing them to skip legislative scrutiny before confirmation for a public office.
The controversy erupted after Senator Sani Musa of Niger East moved a motion urging the Senate to grant the retired military chief this courtesy in recognition of his past service to the nation.
“Given his distinguished service as Chief of Defence Staff, I move that he be allowed to take a bow and go,” Senator Musa proposed.
However, several lawmakers immediately objected, insisting that the former CDS undergo the standard screening process in accordance with legislative practice.
The chamber grew rowdy as senators stood and shouted over one another, prompting Senate President Godswill Akpabio to call for order.
General Musa, who served as Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff until October 2025, was nominated by President Tinubu for the position of Minister of Defence following the resignation of former Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar.
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