Senate President, Akpabio to General Musa: No ‘Take a Bow’ Until You Address Trump’s Comment on Nigeria
By Trek Africa Newspaper
Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday halted attempts by some senators to allow Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to “take a bow and go,” insisting the military chief must respond to controversial remarks recently made by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Nigeria.
The drama unfolded during a plenary session convened to review Nigeria’s current security architecture and assess the preparedness of the armed forces in the face of growing threats nationwide.
As General Musa approached the podium for his presentation, several lawmakers—mostly from the ruling coalition—called for the traditional “take a bow” privilege, a courtesy often extended to high-ranking appointees and respected public officers.
But Akpabio cut them off.
“No, not today,” the Senate President said firmly. “Nigeria is under global scrutiny. The world has heard what Donald Trump said about our country. General Musa must address these issues openly. The Senate and Nigerians need clarity.”
His remark referred to a viral comment attributed to Trump in which the USA President allegedly questioned Nigeria’s internal stability and suggested that the country faces “serious risk” if reforms are not accelerated. The statement had stirred controversy online and sparked diplomatic conversations.
Senate Demands Clear Security Briefing
Akpabio stressed that the Senate would not “hide behind tradition” at a time when foreign commentary could influence public confidence and international relations.
“This is a sensitive moment for our nation,” he added. “General Musa is the head of the armed forces. He must speak to these concerns and update the Nigerian people on the true security situation.”
Opposition senators applauded the decision, arguing that the military leadership has not been sufficiently transparent regarding ongoing counter-terrorism operations, rising banditry, and the resurgence of violent secessionist activities.
A senator from the North-West said:
“Foreign leaders have started using Nigeria as a talking point. We need to know if the military is overstretched or if the situation is being misrepresented.”
General Musa Responds
General Musa, visibly composed, later addressed the chamber, dismissing Trump’s comments as “uninformed political rhetoric” and assuring lawmakers that the Nigerian military remains “combat-ready, coordinated, and fully in control of the nation’s security landscape.”
He also outlined ongoing operations, troop deployments, and new strategies being implemented to tackle persistent threats.
Tension and Politics in the Red Chamber
The exchange underscored political tension within the Senate, with lawmakers split between protecting national image and demanding accountability from the defence leadership.
Akpabio reiterated that Nigeria must project strength, not silence.
“We cannot pretend all is well because someone has a title,” he said. “This chamber represents the Nigerian people. We must ask difficult questions.”
The session ended with a resolution to summon a more extensive security briefing from the Defence Headquarters in the coming weeks.
