THE SIN OF GENERAL MUSA: HIS SUPPORT FOR PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU AND GOVERNOR UBA SANI By Victor Mathew Bobai

THE SIN OF GENERAL MUSA: HIS SUPPORT FOR PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU AND GOVERNOR UBA SANI By Victor Mathew Bobai

The ongoing attacks, criticisms and attempts to drag the name of the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.), into unnecessary political controversy raise an important question:

What exactly is General Musa’s offence?

Has he failed in his professional career?

Has he failed in his service to Nigeria?

Has he failed in discharging his responsibilities as the Honourable Minister of Defence?

Or is his real “sin” simply his open support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his confidence in the political direction of Nigeria under the Renewed Hope Agenda?

From all indications, General Musa’s greatest offence in the eyes of some political opponents appears to be his refusal to hide his political conviction.

He has expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He has made his position clear. And those who disagree with him are entitled to their own opinions.

That is democracy.

THE POLITICAL BATTLE FOR 2027

It is no longer a secret that opposition political interests are working to build alliances and coalitions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Every political party has the constitutional right to organise, form alliances, present candidates and seek the support of Nigerians. That is the essence of democracy.

However, Nigerians must carefully examine the ideas, records and programmes of every political group seeking power.

For those of us who believe in the Renewed Hope Agenda, our position is clear: Nigeria requires constructive engagement, responsible opposition and competition based on ideas not a politics driven entirely by the desire to stop an administration at all costs.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was elected by Nigerians. His administration must be assessed based on its policies, programmes, achievements and challenges.

Those who want to replace him in 2027 have an equal democratic responsibility: they must present their own programmes and convince Nigerians that they offer a better alternative.

Democracy is not strengthened by hatred.

Democracy is strengthened by ideas.

THE RENEWED HOPE AGENDA

The Renewed Hope Agenda represents, in the view of its supporters, an effort to renew confidence in Nigeria and address longstanding national challenges.

The objective is to build a stronger economy, improve infrastructure, strengthen national security and create opportunities for Nigerians.

Like every government, the Tinubu administration faces challenges. Nigerians have the right to demand results and accountability.

But those challenges should not become an excuse for those who wish to see Nigeria fail.

No patriotic Nigerian should celebrate insecurity.

No responsible political actor should exploit the suffering of Nigerians for political advantage.

And no one should be comfortable with terrorism, banditry, kidnapping or any form of violence simply because it may create political difficulties for an administration.

Where there are allegations that individuals or groups are involved in criminal activities, such allegations must be investigated and addressed by the appropriate security and law-enforcement agencies based on credible evidence and due process.

POLITICS MUST NOT DESTROY NIGERIA

Nigeria is currently facing important political decisions ahead of 2027.

There will be disagreements.

There will be competition.

There will be different political calculations.

But the competition for power must never become more important than the survival, peace and unity of Nigeria.

No political ambition is worth the blood of innocent Nigerians.

No election is worth the destruction of communities.

No political disagreement should justify terrorism, banditry, kidnapping or violence.

Those who seek political power must do so through democratic means.

They must go to the people.

They must present their programmes.

They must seek votes.

And Nigerians must be allowed to decide freely.

2027 AND THE QUESTION OF POWER ROTATION

There is also an important conversation about political balance and power rotation in Nigeria.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari, from Northern Nigeria, served two terms as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, from Southern Nigeria, subsequently emerged as President.

For many Nigerians, the principle of political balance remains important to national unity and stability.

Nigeria is broadly made up of two major geographical blocs: the North and the South.

The South comprises the South-West, South-East and South-South, while the North comprises the North-West, North-East and North-Central.

Within these broad geographical divisions are diverse ethnic, religious and cultural communities.

Good leadership can emerge from any part of Nigeria.

Competence is not limited by geography.

Patriotism is not determined by religion.

And the capacity to govern is not the exclusive property of any region.

However, political arrangements and the principle of balance have historically played an important role in maintaining trust among Nigeria’s diverse communities.

These issues should be discussed with maturity, fairness and respect for the Constitution.

WHY IS GENERAL MUSA BEING SINGLED OUT?

General Christopher Gwabin Musa is a Nigerian.

He is also a distinguished retired military officer who has served the country for many years.

Today, he serves as the Honourable Minister of Defence.

Therefore, Nigerians are entitled to ask:

Where has General Musa failed professionally?

Where has he failed in his national responsibilities?

Where has he failed in his commitment to Nigeria?

Political disagreement cannot erase a lifetime of service.

A person may disagree with General Musa’s political position. That is perfectly legitimate.

But disagreement must not become scapegoating.

Criticism must not become witch-hunting.

And politics must not become an excuse for character assassination.

General Musa should be assessed fairly.

His professional career should speak for itself.

His public service should be evaluated objectively.

And his political opinions should be challenged democratically—not through hatred.

IS RELIGION THE REAL ISSUE?

One of the most disturbing aspects of the controversy surrounding General Musa is the tendency of some people to introduce religion into every political discussion.

General Musa is a Christian from Southern Kaduna.

But he is first and foremost a Nigerian.

His religious identity should not become a weapon against him.

Neither should the religious identity of any other Nigerian be used to determine whether that person has the right to participate in public life or express a political opinion.

The North itself is diverse.

It is home to Muslims and Christians.

It is home to hundreds of ethnic groups.

It is home to different cultures, traditions and political opinions.

Therefore, we must reject every attempt to create the impression that there is only one type of Northerner or only one acceptable political opinion in Northern Nigeria.

There are Northerners who support President Tinubu.

There are Northerners who oppose him.

There are Southerners who support him.

There are Southerners who oppose him.

That is democracy.

THE NORTH MUST REMAIN UNITED

Those of us who believe in a united Nigeria must also believe in a North where people are not divided according to religion.

There should not be a “Muslim North” and a “Christian North” competing against one another.

There must be one North built on mutual respect, justice and shared development.

The North envisioned by the great leaders of previous generations was one in which diversity could coexist.

That vision remains relevant today.

Nigeria does not need more division.

Nigeria needs unity.

Nigeria does not need religious hostility.

Nigeria needs cooperation.

Nigeria does not need political persecution.

Nigeria needs democratic engagement.

IS THERE FEAR ABOUT THE FUTURE?

One must also ask whether some of the current political anxiety surrounding General Musa is connected to fears about the future.

Is General Musa being attacked simply because some people believe he may become an influential political figure beyond his present responsibilities?

Is there concern about his growing acceptance among Nigerians?

Or is there discomfort because a respected Northern Christian is openly expressing confidence in President Tinubu?

These are legitimate questions for political observers.

But whatever the answers may be, no Nigerian should be punished simply because he or she has political influence or the potential to play a greater role in the future.

Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians.

The future cannot be reserved for a privileged few.

GENERAL MUSA’S SUPPORTERS STAND WITH HIM

General Musa has supporters across Nigeria.

He has friends and associates in the North.

He has supporters in the South.

He has Nigerians in the Diaspora who recognise his years of national service.

Those who support him are entitled to do so.

Just as those who criticise him are entitled to express their opinions.

That is democracy.

But nobody should believe that intimidation will silence Nigerians from supporting a leader they believe in.

General Musa is known by many as a fearless military professional.

His supporters believe in his patriotism and commitment to Nigeria.

And they will continue to defend his right to be treated fairly.

SOUTHERN KADUNA IS MORE THAN A RELIGIOUS IDENTITY

It is also important to correct a common misunderstanding about Southern Kaduna.

Southern Kaduna is not merely a religious description.

It is a diverse and complex political, cultural and geographical community.

It comprises Christians and Muslims.

It comprises different ethnic groups and communities.

It includes professionals, civil servants, business people, farmers, entrepreneurs, students and traditional institutions.

It has a rich political history.

It has representation at different levels of government.

It has elected representatives in the National Assembly and the Kaduna State House of Assembly.

Southern Kaduna is, therefore, not merely a nomenclature.

It is a community of diverse people with shared interests, different political opinions and a legitimate role in determining the future of Kaduna State and Nigeria.

No individual can claim to speak for every person in Southern Kaduna.

However, every citizen of the region has the constitutional right to express his or her political opinion.

OUR POLITICAL POSITION

As for us, we are not hiding our political convictions.

We believe in the democratic process.

We believe Nigerians must be allowed to choose their leaders.

We believe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves the opportunity to seek the mandate of Nigerians again in 2027, in accordance with the Constitution.

We also believe that those who support him have the right to do so openly.

In Southern Kaduna, we will continue to mobilise, organise and participate peacefully in the democratic process.

We will support the candidates and leaders we believe represent our collective interests.

We will do so through lawful and democratic means.

No intimidation will take away that right.

No propaganda will take away that right.

No religious manipulation will take away that right.

THE TRUTH MUST BE SPOKEN

General Musa has expressed his opinion.

Others have expressed theirs.

That is the beauty of democracy.

Nobody is compelled to agree with him.

But nobody should be persecuted simply for having an opinion.

Political disagreement must never become a licence for hatred.

Religious differences must never become a weapon.

Ethnic identity must never become a qualification or disqualification for patriotism.

Nigeria is bigger than all of us.

The future of Nigeria is more important than the ambitions of any individual.

Those who support President Tinubu should be free to do so.

Those who oppose him should equally be free to organise and present their alternatives.

But ultimately, the decision belongs to Nigerians.

And Nigerians will speak through the ballot box.

CONCLUSION: THE TRUTH SHALL SET US FREE

The “sin” of General Christopher Gwabin Musa, in the eyes of his critics, appears to be simple:

He has openly expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He believes in the political direction he supports.

And he has refused to be intimidated into silence.

But Nigeria is a democracy.

Every Nigerian has a right to an opinion.

Every Nigerian has the right to political association.

Every Nigerian has the right to support a candidate of his or her choice.

Therefore, let those who disagree with General Musa make their own political case.

Let them go to the people.

Let them present their candidates.

Let them present their programmes.

Let them organise democratically.

And when the time comes, let Nigerians decide.

For those of us who support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the political leadership of Governor Uba Sani in Kaduna State, our position remains clear.

We will continue to support peace.

We will continue to support unity.

We will continue to support democracy.

And we will continue to exercise our constitutional right to support the leaders in whom we believe.

General Christopher Gwabin Musa should be judged fairly.

His professional career should not be destroyed because of political disagreement.

His service to Nigeria should not be erased because of propaganda.

And his right to hold an opinion should not be questioned simply because some people disagree with his political position.

The truth remains the truth.

And, ultimately, the truth shall set us free.

SIGNED:

Victor Mathew Bobai
Senior Special Assistant (SSA), Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani

Issued in Sabon Tasha Ward, Kaduna State
Tuesday, September 8, 2026