(First published as Lead Story in the December 2025 edition of African Leadership Scorecard Magazine)

THE TRANSMUTATION

There are four different adjectives that can attempt to explain the rapid movement in the life of General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, within just one month- October and December 2025.

You would be right to call it any of transition, transformation or metamorphosis. It also therefore sounds pleasant in the ear if you say- ‘The Metamorphosis of General Christopher Musa.’

However, the word, transmutation seems to capture the narrative more succinctly as transmutation describes it as ‘an act or instance of transmuting or conversion of base metals into gold or silver.

…. Musa and the December Transition Spirit

Do you know that General Musa was born on Christmas Day?

December marks the end of one year and the beginning of another. It is a period filled with transitions and new beginnings. December is a time when nature slows down, preparing for the cold winter months ahead. The reappearance of General Christopher Musa on Nigeria’s leadership and political landscape a few weeks after retirement from the military, symbolizes strength, adaptability and readiness for great transformation.

Footprints of General Christopher Musa as CDS

Chinue Achebe, one of Nigeria’s most prolific writers in history said that the problem of Nigeria, was absence of quality leadership.

However, Nigeria has also had a number of leaders who have shown patriotism, commitment and dedication to the goals and mission they set out to achieve and made remarkable achievements for the overall wellbeing of the people.

One of those that have achieved such enviable heights, is General Christopher Musa. As Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, his style of leadership was a signpost of hope.

Throughout his tenure in that position, he was steadfast in his commitment to his personal vision of sustaining peace and tranquility in Nigeria, through the double approach of deploying the stick and the carrot, also known as kinetic and non-kinetic warfare, while deploying diplomatic soldiering to get Nigeria’s neighbours to partner with their big brother for the safety of West Africa.

As CDS, Musa’s office enjoyed a robust working relationship with the other Chiefs, comprising the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force, as together, they strived to root out all forms of violent criminalities in the country.

He also fostered harmonious relationship between the military and civil populace; and ensured healthy workable synergy with sister security agencies including the Police, Office of the National Security Adviser and others.

His innovative approach emphasizes the strategic deployment of informational, psychological, diplomatic, economic, social, and civil-military cooperation to pursue national interests.

In the course of his tenure, General Musa ensured that welfare of officers and men of the Nigerian military was treated as first-line charge in the scheme of things including logistics enhancement, housing, medicals, insurance and hazard entitlements, among others. The same is true of training and capacity building as thousands of military officers and men were sponsored to attend local and overseas courses with over 312 personnel trained in counter-terrorism abroad including in the US, Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan, India and other countries.

One of the most remarkable achievements recorded by General Musa as CDS, was transforming the Armed Forces of Nigeria through policy reforms that enhanced intelligence gathering, troop confidence, teamwork, and discipline. It was a combination of these that engendered progress in the fight against terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers, among others as thousands of them were either neutralized or apprehended, while over 5,200 kidnapped victims were freed from their captors. hostages. Conservatively, over 129,000 terrorists surrendered during his tenure.

Under his command also, some notable terror leaders were elimination including Sububu and 38 others while many terrorist formations were dislodged.

One plank of his numerous efforts aimed at boosting morale of military personnel as well as build broader partnership was his invitation to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex who were excited to be in Nigeria. Their visit to military formations and one-on-one with some wounded soldiers in military hospital cannot be forgotten. The Duke also participated in Invictus Games aimed at telling injured soldiers that they can still normal life and enjoy themselves, in the face of challenges.

A Grateful Nation Rewards Musa with Gratitude and Praises

At no time in the history of Nigeria had any public official received accolades from the citizens than was the case when General Musa was asked to exit service in October 2025. The social media was on fire with millions of Nigerians singing his praises for his exceptional leadership qualities, style and achievements recorded he recorded in office. Incidentally, his brief exit came two weeks after First Green White Resources (FGWR) has honoured him with Nigeria’s Pride Award as Shield of the Nation. Television stories of the award therefore generated millions of views and likes as General Musa was celebrated as a true Hero that he is, and while still alive.

WHY FGWR HONOURED GEN. MUSA AS ‘SHIELD OF THE NATION’

On Tuesday, September 30th, General Christopher Musa, OFR, who was still Chief of Defence Staff at that, was honoured as ‘Shield of the Nation’ at the 2025 Nigeria’s Pride Awards, organized by our organization- First Green White Resources, FGWR. The event took place at Barcelona Hotel, Wuse 2, Abuja.

General Musa was honoured alongside Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, Senator Ireti Kingibe, Dangote Group and its Group Head of Corporate Communications, Anthony Chiejina, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, Sir Jideani Agabaidu, DG of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Nollywood personality, Tonto Dikeh, among others.

Although General Musa was not present at the event, he was the major focus of the audience and received standing ovation when his name and award was announced. Speakers took turn to pour praises on him and commended him for the great works he was doing for the nation. The Founder/CEO of FGWR, Bonaventure Phillips Melah, in his introductory remark, said General Musa’s patriotism and motivational leadership style have combined to boost the morale of officers and men of the Nigerian military, even as he commits himself to synergizing with other service Chiefs, the Police and related security agencies towards providing best quality service to the fatherland. “The result of the combined approaches as well as his commitment to duty, is drastic reduction in incidents of insecurity across the country, especially North East and South East, as well as oil theft in the Niger Delta region, among many other achievements,” he said.

The Chairman of the occasion, Brigadier General Paul Boroh (trd), said Nigeria’s Pride Awards was a well-thought initiative to honour those who have served the nation well and contributed to nation-building. He commended the Chief off Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa for his efforts in rooting terrorism and other criminalities in the country and suggested that the awards be an annual event while the Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, who was represented by the Director, Publications, Production and Documentation, Mr. Ibidapo Okunnu, praised General Musa for his patriotism and multi-dimensional approach in securing Nigeria. He commended the organisers of the awards for their commitment to the unity of Nigeria and for honouring citizens who have contributed t the development of the nation.

A few days after the Awards ceremonies, the Founder/CEO of FGWR, Bonaventure Phillips Melah, led a team to Defence headquarters where the Director, Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau received the Shield of the Nation Award frame and plaque on behalf of General Musa, OFR.

GENERAL MUSA’S BRIEF PAUSE

General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), was Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) until October 30, when he was replaced by General Olufemi Oluyede who served as Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

Although the Presidency had said in a statement that the President Bola Tinubu made changes to the “hierarchy of the Service Chiefs in furtherance of the efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria to strengthen the national security architecture,” the exit of Christopher Musa was greeted with mixed feelings with majority of Nigerians praising his bravery, patriotism, commitment and dedication to duty which they said combined to engender remarkable achievements in the government’s fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent criminalities in the country. Those who shared this opinion, therefore wondered why the President chose to replace him at such a critical time when his efforts were yielding positive results. It was also more curios when juxtaposed with Musa’s assertion months earlier that ‘anytime we are making progress

On the hand were others who said the President, being the Commander-In-Chief of the nation’s armed forces knows what was best for his government.

Any which way however, it is true that insecurity escalated across the country within the six weeks of Musa’s exit from service. For example, there were series of mass abductions across several communities in some states, including Kebbi, Katsina, Kogi, Niger and Kwara, among others. Victims included religious worshippers, students and others.

The situation attracted national and international uproar that was raised to the rooftop when the United States government raised concern about the massive killing of Nigerians by terrorists. President Donald Trump had brushed diplomatic coatings aside and bluntly accused Nigerian government of looking the other way while Christians were killed in what was described by some as religious genocide against Christians. Trump therefore threatened that US would directly and physically intervene both diplomatically and militarily, to deal with the terrorists inside Nigeria, if the government fails to take decisive action.

On Tuesday, December 2nd 2025, President Bola Tinubu, nominated General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), as Minister of Defence.

THE GLORIOUS RETURN

On Tuesday, December 2nd 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nominated General Christopher Musa (rtd), as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence.

This was transmitted to the Senate through a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio but was made public via a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The nomination took place one day after Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, resigned from Tinubu’s cabinet on M “health grounds.”

The following day. Wednesday, December 3rd, Musa appeared for screening before the Senate, during which the former CDS

faced tough questions on security lapses while he was on retirement. Musa assured the Senate and Nigerians of an all-out was against terrorists and other enemies of the country, saying- “We are going to go after them fully, working together with all the security agencies and Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

He highlighted gaps within the armed forces and called for enhanced funding, strengthened community engagement, and coordinated inter-agency operations while emphasizing the need to protect schools through the Safe Schools Initiative and a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and banditry. He was thereafter confirmed by the Senate.

The next in the rapid sequence took place Thursday, December 4th, when President Tinubu administered the oath of office on Gen. Musa at the State House, Abuja.

Jubilation as Musa Resumes in Office

On Friday, December 5th, General Christopher Musa (rtd), received a heroic reception as he formally assumed office at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Abuja.

Officials of the Ministry trooped out in numbers, singing solidarity songs and applauding the former Chief of Defence Staff The warm welcome created an atmosphere of enthusiasm among staff, who described his appointment as a step toward strengthened national security.

In a show of institutional support, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, led a delegation of service chiefs to receive the Minister. The high-powered military delegation included heads of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, reflected the armed forces’ readiness to work under the new ministerial leadership.

In an emotion-filled but clear voice, General Musa, expressed gratitude for the reception, pledged to deepen inter-agency cooperation, strengthen troops’ welfare, and intensify efforts toward securing the country. He emphasized that national security remains a collective responsibility and promised to build on ongoing reforms within the defence sector.

It is worthy of mention here, that, in the history of Nigeria, no public official has made such swift and rapid transmutation from a military General to civilian minister as was the case of Christopher Musa. It was also the first time in the nation’s history that a ministerial nomination and appointment have received such widespread acceptance, cutting across all ethnic, religious and political divides.

WHO IS GENERAL CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA?

General Christopher Gwabin Musa was born on Christmas Day and would urn 58 on December 25 2025. Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most seasoned infantry commanders.

He served as Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 until October 2025 and received the prestigious Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012.

Some of his notable positions include General Staff Officer 1, Training and Operations, Headquarters 81 Division; Commanding Officer, 73 Battalion; Assistant Director, Operational Requirements, Army Policy and Plans; and Infantry Representative on the Training Team at the Nigerian Army Armour Corps.

He also served as Deputy Chief of Staff (Training/Operations) at the Infantry Centre and Corps in 2019; Commander, Sector 3, Operation Lafiya Dole; and later Commander, Sector 3 of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in the Lake Chad Basin.

In 2021, he became Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, the military’s flagship counterterrorism operation in the Northeast. He subsequently commanded the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps before President Tinubu appointed him CDS in 2023.

In his letter appointing General Christopher Musa as Minister of Defence, President Bola Tinubu said the former CDS has “extensive operational experience and leadership record” making him eminently qualified to lead the Defence Ministry.

Bonaventure Phillips Melah

Publisher/Editor-In-Chief

MD/CEO, FGWR; Founder, Nigeria’s Pride Awards

Email: bonamelah123@gmail.com

Mobile: 08036062975