BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Lagos
Southern Kaduna citizens residing in Lagos and the Southwest have renewed calls for unity and constructive engagement with national leadership, urging indigenes to rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani, and the newly appointed Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd).
The call was made under the platform of the Southern Kaduna (SK) Lagos Residents and the Southwest PBAT/GUS 2027 Re-Election Project.
Convener of the initiative, Rev. Andrew Duya, said current political and security developments present an opportunity for Southern Kaduna people in the Southwest to strengthen their collective voice and reposition themselves for increased participation in national affairs.
He emphasised that Southern Kaduna cannot afford internal fragmentation at a time when strategic appointments are favourably impacting the region.
Rev Duya noted that despite the region’s overwhelming rejection of the APC in the 2023 general elections, Southern Kaduna has recorded notable gains under President Tinubu.
He cited the elevation of General Musa, first as Chief of Defence Staff and now as Minister of Defence as a major milestone that underscores the administration’s confidence in competence, merit and national inclusivity.
He described General Musa’s appointment as a significant boost to Nigeria’s security leadership, adding that the former CDS distinguished himself through disciplined service, strategic foresight and an unwavering commitment to national unity.
According to him, the Defence Minister’s emergence reflects a renewed sense of hope, not only for Southern Kaduna citizens but for Nigerians seeking stability and security.
Recalling events from September 2024, Rev Duya narrated how the Goodnews Family Church in Ikeja organised a Thanksgiving Prayer Service for the then Chief of Defence Staff.
He noted that despite opposition from some Southern Kaduna groups in Lagos, the event recorded strong attendance from non-SK supporters, representatives of Babcock University and a delegation from the Nigerian Air Force, demonstrating broad confidence in Musa’s leadership.
He expressed concern that divisions among Southern Kaduna organisations in Lagos, particularly SOKAPU, ACDA and other interest groups have slowed communal progress.
According to him, political sentiments and misconceptions have hindered collaboration and weakened the community’s ability to speak with one voice on matters affecting their welfare.
As part of efforts to strengthen unity, Rev Duya proposed that the Lagos chapters of SOKAPU, ACDA and the SK Lagos Residents & SW PBAT/GUS 2027 Project jointly organise a Thanksgiving Prayer Service immediately after the Senate confirms General Musa as Defence Minister.
He said the programme would serve to honour President Tinubu, Governor Uba Sani and the new Defence Minister while reinforcing Southern Kaduna’s commitment to peaceful democratic participation.
He maintained that supporting good governance should not be mistaken for partisanship, stressing that citizens are free to maintain their political party affiliations. What matters, he said, is the collective resolve to vote wisely, safeguard the community’s development interests and strengthen its contributions to national stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Rev Duya commended Governor Uba Sani for continuously promoting capable Kaduna professionals into federal positions, noting that the governor’s constructive partnership with the presidency has helped amplify Kaduna’s representation in national leadership.
He also lauded President Tinubu for what he described as a thoughtful and farsighted decision to entrust national security to a leader whose competence and patriotism have been tested.
He said General Musa’s appointment has been widely welcomed across the country, as it places Nigeria’s defence operations in the hands of a calm, focused and disciplined officer with a proven record of loyalty to the nation.
Rev Duya urged Southern Kaduna residents in Lagos to seize the moment and work collectively to advance the region’s interest, adding that “no community progresses when its people remain divided.”
