Northern Coalition Condemns Criticism of Defence Minister

A northern youth coalition has defended the Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, while condemning individuals and groups criticising his leadership in tackling Nigeria’s security challenges.

The group, Northern Nigeria United Youth for Peace and Progress (NNUYPP), made its position known during a press conference in Kaduna, where it also commended the military for recent efforts against banditry and terrorism in parts of the country.

Convener of the group, Edward John Auta, and Co-convener, Malam Idris Mohammed, said Nigeria had witnessed a worrying increase in attacks across different regions in recent months. They, however, alleged that such insecurity was being exploited by certain individuals and groups pursuing political or personal interests.

According to Auta, notable progress has been made in the security sector since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023. He said the gains recorded have unsettled both criminal elements and political actors seeking to benefit from instability.

He noted that during Musa’s tenure as Chief of Defence Staff and now as Minister of Defence, the country recorded steady progress in confronting security threats across various regions.

Auta said Musa’s leadership style included strong troop motivation, a strict stance against negotiating with bandits, improved collaboration among security agencies, and the adoption of non-kinetic strategies that involve community partnerships.

He added that the period of Musa’s service as Chief of Defence Staff saw several reforms and security successes nationwide, which, according to him, explains the public concern that followed his removal from the position.

The coalition said Musa’s appointment as Defence Minister was widely welcomed by Nigerians who value experience and discipline in addressing security challenges.

The group also criticised what it described as recent personal attacks and calls for Musa’s resignation, alleging that some critics either sympathise with criminal groups or are politically motivated.

Auta specifically faulted comments attributed to Ambassador Abdul Dan Bature and activist Omoyele Sowore, describing them as unfair and damaging to national unity.

While dismissing remarks from Bature and his associates as ethnically and religiously driven, the group accused Sowore of using inflammatory rhetoric and personal attacks against government officials for political relevance ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to Auta, such statements undermine constructive engagement and fail to reflect the values of respect, unity and patriotism expected from young Nigerians aspiring to leadership.

The coalition called on Sowore to retract his remarks and apologise to the Defence Minister, whose career, it said, has been marked by dedicated service to the country.

It also urged Nigerian youths to reject divisive rhetoric and instead support efforts aimed at strengthening national security.

Reaffirming its support for Musa and President Tinubu’s administration, the group expressed confidence that ongoing reforms in the Ministry of Defence would further strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and improve coordination among security agencies.

The coalition also appealed to citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful intelligence to help defeat insecurity across the country.