Kaduna forum hails Tinubu over Musa appointment

Immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa.

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The Southern Kaduna Journalists’ Forum has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment of former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.), as the Minister of Defence.

The Forum described the development as a long-overdue corrective step after “eight years of systemic exclusion” of Southern Kaduna under the former governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.

In a press conference held on Wednesday, the Forum said the appointment signals a new era of inclusion for the region, which had suffered what it called “deliberate political and developmental marginalisation” during El-Rufai’s administration.

SKJF, an advocacy platform promoting inclusive governance and balanced reportage, described Gen. Musa’s elevation as a well-deserved honour for a distinguished military officer with an exemplary record of service.

The chairman of the Forum, Ango Bally, said President Tinubu demonstrated statesmanship by listening to earlier appeals from Southern Kaduna stakeholders, noting that the Forum had, in September 2023, formally urged the President to allocate the ministerial slot to the region after the Senate rejected El-Rufai’s nomination.

“President Tinubu has shown that he is a listening and responsive leader. His gesture has restored a sense of fairness and belonging to our people,” the Forum pointed out.

“Southern Kaduna will not forget this goodwill,” it emphasised.

The Forum praised the Senate for what it described as a “swift and professional” screening process, adding that Musa’s bipartisan acceptance was proof of national confidence in his competence, integrity, and security expertise.

SKJF also credited the Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, for what it called his “bridge-building leadership” and “practical commitment to the development of Southern Kaduna.”

It particularly noted the governor’s support for federal interventions in the region, including the University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, the Federal Medical Centre, Kafanchan, and the revival of abandoned projects.

More pointedly, SKJF contrasted Sani’s approach with that of his predecessor, El-Rufai, accusing the former governor of entrenching an eight-year pattern of denying Southern Kaduna equitable representation, particularly the ministerial slot traditionally rotated between the northern and southern parts of the state.

“For eight years, Southern Kaduna was systematically sidelined in appointments, governance, and development,” Bally said.

He maintained that “Governor Uba Sani has moved in the opposite direction, demonstrating that inclusive leadership is both possible and impactful.”

The group expressed confidence that Gen. Musa will bring competence, courage, and character to the Ministry of Defence, describing his tenure as Chief of Defence Staff as marked by strategic clarity and professionalism.

“His appointment is a moment of pride for Southern Kaduna, Kaduna State and Nigeria,” the Forum insisted through Bally.

SKJF reaffirmed its commitment to responsible journalism, nation-building, and advocacy for fairness across the country, even as it prayed for God’s guidance for the new minister in discharging his duties.

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