CNPP and CNCSOs Commend President Tinubu on the Appointment of General Christopher Musa (Rtd) as Substantive Minister of Defence, Charge Him to Restore Security and Clear Nigeria’s Forests of Criminal Elements
The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and the Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs) hereby jointly commend President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the strategic and timely appointment of the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), as the substantive Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
This decision, in our considered view, reflects a recognition of competence, experience, institutional knowledge, and a deeper understanding of Nigeria’s complex and evolving security challenges. At a time when the nation grapples with multi-dimensional threats ranging from insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, violent extremism, farmer-herder conflicts, and other manifestations of organised criminality, the choice of General Musa—an officer with vast operational experience and a comprehensive understanding of Nigeria’s security architecture—offers renewed hope to millions of Nigerians for a safer and more secure country.
As civil society organisations and political stakeholders committed to the unity, peace, and progress of Nigeria, we are persuaded that this appointment sends a strong signal of seriousness and urgency on the part of the Federal Government in addressing the worsening security situation across the federation. The appointment also provides a unique opportunity for institutional reforms, improved coordination among the security agencies, better welfare for personnel, enhanced intelligence-gathering and information-sharing, as well as a more robust and people-centric approach to national security.
However, while commending Mr. President on this bold and commendable step, the CNPP and CNCSOs wish to clearly remind General Christopher Musa (Rtd) that the confidence reposed in him by both the President and the Nigerian people is sacred and must not be betrayed. This is a moment of national reckoning and patriotic duty. Nigerians expect not mere promises or rhetoric, but measurable, visible and impactful results.
We, therefore, charge the new Minister of Defence as follows:
1. Never betray the trust of Nigerians. The office of the Minister of Defence is one of the highest responsibilities in any nation, but even more so in a country as deeply challenged by insecurity as Nigeria. Nigerians expect transparency, integrity, discipline, and loyalty to the people and the constitution above all other interests.
2. Ensure a safer country for all citizens. Security is not a privilege; it is a fundamental right. From Borno to Bayelsa, from Zamfara to Enugu, from Kaduna to Rivers, Nigerians must be able to sleep without fear, farm without intimidation, travel without harassment, and live without the constant threat of violent attack.
3. Take proactive steps to clear Nigeria’s forests of criminal elements. Our forests have been turned into safe havens for terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal gangs. These forests must no longer remain ungoverned spaces. We call for the immediate deployment of coordinated, intelligence-driven, well-resourced and sustained operations to flush out, arrest or neutralise all criminal elements hiding in the nation’s forests, mountains and ungoverned territories.
4. End avoidable deaths resulting from the failure of governance. The era of reactive responses, delayed interventions, poor coordination and lack of accountability must come to an end. Thousands of Nigerians have lost their lives to attacks that could have been prevented. This tragic pattern must stop. The new Minister must ensure that systems are strengthened to prevent attacks, respond swiftly when they occur, and hold all negligent or complicit actors accountable.
5. Make it a victory against insurgency and criminality or nothing. For CNPP and CNCSOs, this is the only acceptable outcome. It must be total victory against insurgency, terrorism, banditry and all forms of violent criminality in every part of the country, or nothing. There can be no half-measures, excuses, or political considerations when the lives of Nigerians are at stake.
We also call on the National Assembly, other security agencies, state governments, traditional institutions, community leaders and the general public to give maximum support, cooperation and necessary oversight to ensure that the new Defence Minister succeeds in this historic national assignment.
Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. This appointment must mark the beginning of a decisive turnaround in the nation’s security narrative. The time for experiment is over. The time for action is now.
Once again, we commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for this appointment and urge him to continue prioritising competence, patriotism and accountability in all security-related appointments.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
