BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Kaduna
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mohammed Lawal, has backed the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd.), over his recent comments concerning former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai.
Lawal also urged El-Rufai, political leaders and public commentators to exercise restraint when commenting on sensitive national security matters.
In a statement, the APC chieftain said Musa’s position as Minister of Defence, coupled with his decades of military service, required him to speak candidly on issues with implications for the security and territorial integrity of Nigeria.
He said the minister’s comments should be assessed within the context of his official responsibilities and the broader security challenges facing the country.
“General Christopher Musa is a distinguished Nigerian who has dedicated decades of his life to the service and defence of our country. As Minister of Defence, he has a duty to speak on issues that have direct implications for national security,” Lawal said.
“We should therefore assess his comments fairly and within the context in which they were made.”
Lawal cautioned against allowing political disagreements to undermine public confidence in institutions responsible for protecting the country.
He said national security should remain a collective responsibility and urged political actors to avoid statements that could further deepen divisions or create tension around the country’s security institutions.
According to him, El-Rufai, as a former governor and prominent Nigerian, is entitled to his political views and opinions, but such views should be expressed responsibly.
“While Malam Nasir El-Rufai, as a former governor and prominent Nigerian, is entitled to his views and political opinions, such views should be expressed in a manner that does not unnecessarily weaken public confidence in the nation’s security institutions or distract from the urgent task of addressing insecurity,” he said.
The APC chieftain called for unity and constructive engagement among political leaders, noting that criticism remains an important part of democratic governance.
He, however, said such criticism should take into consideration the responsibilities of officials entrusted with national security.
“The country needs unity, responsible leadership and constructive engagement. Criticism is part of democracy, but it must be balanced with an appreciation of the enormous responsibilities borne by those entrusted with national security,” Lawal said.
Lawal also appealed to political leaders and public commentators to avoid statements capable of deepening divisions among Nigerians or creating unnecessary tension between citizens and security personnel.
He commended Musa and members of the armed forces for their sacrifices in protecting Nigerians, particularly in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other forms of insecurity.
Lawal maintained that addressing the country’s security challenges required cooperation and support from Nigerians across political divides.
He therefore urged Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation, to put national interest above partisan considerations and support efforts aimed at strengthening the country’s security architecture.
