By Kennedy Elaigwu Awodi
In recent days, following a deeply insightful national television appearance on Channels TV’s Politics Today, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, has faced a barrage of unwarranted attacks from political sympathizers and internet commentators. These detractors have attempted to twist his candid observations regarding the administration of former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, into a partisan dispute.
However, any objective review of General Musa’s comments reveals a simple truth: the Minister did not fabricate a single claim. Rather, he spoke as a seasoned, patriotic nationalist, outlining verifiable facts that remain fresh in the public domain. In an era where political convenience often replaces institutional truth, General Musa’s courage to speak plainly on national security matters should be lauded, not maligned.
To understand General Musa’s remarks, one must look directly at the public record. When addressing the security dynamics and administrative posture that defined Kaduna State under the former governor, General Musa explicitly invited members of the public to verify his statements on open platforms like YouTube and national media archives.
For instance, the former governor publicly acknowledged on national television that his administration engaged in financial settlements with rogue actors in an attempt to curb violence, a historical record that remains easily accessible to anyone seeking the truth. Reminding the public of these well-documented historical events is neither a personal attack nor a concocted political hit job; it is a necessary recall of public policy choices that profoundly affected millions of lives. Security policy cannot be analyzed in a vacuum, and General Musa’s refusal to sanitize history stems from a professional commitment to ensuring that past mistakes are never repeated in Nigeria’s national defense architecture.
During Malam El-Rufai’s tenure, the people of Southern Kaduna felt deeply alienated, operating as underdogs in their own state amidst persistent security challenges. The severe security lapses, coupled with polarizing socio-political rhetoric, left deep wounds that the region is still trying to heal today.
General Musa spoke not to reopen those wounds or to incite disunity, but to articulate the lived reality of millions of citizens who endured those difficult years. As a leader who understands the intricate relationship between social justice and peace, his observations were made without malice or personal agenda. Instead, they served to highlight a fundamental truth: divisive governance tactics and selective empathy directly undermine national integration and collective security.
General Christopher Gwabin Musa is a distinguished military officer and nationalist whose entire professional life has been dedicated to defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and ensuring internal security. Having served in some of the most challenging operational theaters in the country, his character and patriotism are beyond reproach. To question his motives based on his refusal to toe a partisan line does a grave disservice to a leader who has repeatedly put his life on the line for the nation.
His appearance on Politics Today was designed to emphasize a crucial lesson for Nigeria’s future: effective national security depends on leadership that unifies communities, protects every citizen regardless of identity, and builds public trust rather than deepening ethnic or religious fault lines.
While his critics remain bogged down in political squabbles, General Musa continues to focus on transforming the Ministry of Defence into a proactive, forward-thinking institution. His strategic vision extends well beyond conventional defense operations to encompass the long-term socio-economic welfare of Nigeria’s service members.
A clear demonstration of this visionary leadership was his recent engagement with the management team of NIRSAL PLC, led by Executive Director Mr. Ewaen Imohe, at Ship House, Abuja. Recognizing that national security and economic stability are intertwined, the Minister spearheaded discussions aimed at unlocking agricultural and productive opportunities for members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Under General Musa’s leadership, the Ministry is actively preparing to leverage NIRSAL’s technical expertise to roll out agri-based initiatives tailored for military personnel. This program is designed to equip officers and soldiers with functional, sustainable skills in agribusiness, ensuring they remain productive wealth-creators both during their active service and after retirement. By addressing the post-service transition and welfare of military personnel, General Musa is building a resilient, motivated force whose contributions to national development extend beyond the battlefield into agribusiness and national food security.
The contrast between General Musa and his critics could not be starker. While commentators focus on media soundbites, the Minister is actively securing the nation and laying the groundwork for the economic empowerment of Nigeria’s brave men and women in uniform.
The attacks against the Minister of Defence miss the broader picture entirely. General Musa did not speak out of political enmity; he spoke out of an overriding duty to truth, historical accuracy, and national stability. By courageously addressing past policy missteps, he reminded the nation that security requires transparent, unbiased, and accountable governance.
Nigerians must look past the partisan noise and extend full support to patriotic leaders like General Christopher Gwabin Musa, a steadfast commander who speaks truth to power while delivering actionable, transformative reforms for the defense sector and the nation at large.
Kennedy Elaigwu Awodi wrote from North Carolina, USA.
Email: awodiken@outlook.com
