By Jesse Ese, Asaba
A sociocultural group, the Concerned Niger Deltans for Peace and Development, has passed a vote of confidence on the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retired) over his dedication to the fight against insurgency in Nigeria, especially in the north.
The group praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing the former Chief of Defence Staff to serve in his cabinet as minister; describing it as a square peg in a square hole.
This is coming after one Abdul Danbature, claiming to be speaking for Arewa Youths, called for the immediate sack of the Defence Minister and also likened him to a content creator.
However, the Concerned Niger Deltans for Peace and Development, at a stakeholders’ meeting in Asaba, the Delta State capital, on Monday, condemned the unprovoked attacks and cheap blackmails against the person of the Honourable Minister of Defence who has dedicated many years of his life to serving the nation.
The group said it is because of the efforts of General Christopher Musa towards protecting lives and property that Nigeria is so peaceful and safe for an ‘ungrateful somebody like Danbature’, who has no honour, to sit in their comfort zones and insult the selfless sacrifices of military personnel.
The meeting was chaired by Hon. Freeborn Itewo, the National President of the group, who also doubles as SA to the Executive Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Community Affairs.
Others in attendance are: Patience Humphrey, Woman Leader, Bassey Ekemene (Akwa-Ibom State Rep), Felix Akassa (Bayelsa representative), Comrade Amb. Victor Monday Olajide (JP) (Edo State representative), Itoro Eno Sunday (Cross River representative), Ike Godwin (Rivers State representative), and Comrade Lucky Jonah, a Niger Delta stakeholder, amongst critical stakeholders and members of the group.
They called on Arewa youths to desist from further attacks against General Christopher Musa and tender an unreserved apology to the minister; saying that such campaigns of calumny against him because of his religion will no longer be tolerated.
In an interview with journalists shortly after the meeting, the National President of the Concerned Niger Deltans for Peace and Development, Hon. Freeborn Itewo, said General Musa is equal to the task given to him, and urged the likes of Danbature to support the anti-insurgency efforts of the government, rather than hiding under the cover of Arewa youths to spread misleading information about the minister.
He said the minister is giving the troops and the service chiefs all the support it takes to flush out bandits and terrorists in Northern Nigeria; saying that it is even the people of the north who are complaining that the insurgents are their brothers and should not be touched.
Freeborn said, “Is the so-called Danbature not aware of the gains the armed forces have made since General Christopher Musa took over as Defence Minister?”
“Is it because Musa is a Christian that he’s now coming out to persecute him? When Mohammed Badaru Abubakar was there as Minister of Defence, how many times did they call for his resignation?”
“They should not bring that leg because we will not take it. Musa has distinguished himself and the people of Nigeria love him, especially the people of the Niger Delta, because of his commitment to the fight against these bloody terrorists that have declared war on innocent citizens.”
“The reason we passed a vote of confidence on the Honourable Minister is simple: he’s doing his job very well, and with the way and manner he’s doing it, these terrorists will have no hiding place in the country in the near future.”
“Since he was appointed minister of defence, he has been strengthening counter-insurgency operations, driving technological modernization (drones, cyber defense), promoting indigenous defense manufacturing, and improving troops welfare.”
“Even when he was Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa spearheaded operations resulting in the neutralization of thousands of terrorists, destruction of extremist enclaves, and significant rescues of hostages in both North-East (Operation HADIN KAI) and North-West (Operation FANSAN YAMMA) regions.”
“He also enhanced inter-agency synergy, improving coordination between the military and other security agencies.”
“We, as Niger Delta stakeholders, are with General Christopher Musa, and we want to call on President Bola Tinubu not to listen to those calling for his sack because it is obvious that they don’t mean well for the president and the people of the country.”
“You don’t change a performing minister. General Christopher Musa is a blessing to the presidency, our gallant troops and well-meaning citizens of Nigeria.”
“We want to assure the president and the minister of our unwavering support, and pray God Almighty to continue to strengthen them to keep doing what is right for our country Nigeria, and we will continue to support them with prayers,” he said.
Freeborn also advised the Defence Minister to forgive those campaigning against him and those sponsoring them.
He urged him to be focused and committed to the fight against terrorism; saying that Nigerians really appreciate what he’s doing for the nation.
