A mild drama unfolded in the Senate on Wednesday, December 3, as lawmakers clashed over whether to allow President Bola Tinubu’s ministerial nominee and former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa (rtd), to be confirmed without facing questions, a courtesy commonly referred to as a “bow and go.”
The “bow and go” practice is a parliamentary tradition extended to distinguished former public servants, which allows them to be excused from legislative scrutiny during confirmation hearings.
The tension in the chamber began when Senator Sani Musa, representing Niger East, moved a motion seeking to grant the retired military chief the courtesy, citing his 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 stated.
However, his proposal was met with loud objections from several senators who insisted that General Musa must undergo the full screening process in line with legislative tradition.
The chamber erupted into noise as lawmakers stood and shouted over one another, prompting Senate President Godswill Akpabio to call for order.
General Musa served as Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff until October 2025 and was nominated by President Tinubu to serve as Minister of Defence following the resignation of the immediate past Defence Minister, Badaru Abubakar.
