The Southern Kaduna Journalists’ Forum has applauded President Bola Tinubu for appointing former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.), as the new Minister of Defence, describing the decision as a victory for equity, inclusion and national security.
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, the Forum said the appointment was “well deserved,” citing the retired general’s sterling military career, record of professionalism and commitment to peace and unity, according to the statement jointly signed by the Forum’s Chairman, Ango Bally, and Secretary, Lilian Silas.
Chairman of the Forum, Ango Bally, said General Musa’s leadership as Chief of Defence Staff earned him both national and international respect, noting that his elevation to the federal cabinet had further strengthened confidence in the country’s defence establishment.
The group also commended the Senate for what it called a “swift and professional” screening process, saying the bipartisan support General Musa received during confirmation reflected a broad consensus on his competence and integrity.
The Forum reserved strong praise for Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, whom it credited with playing a “pivotal role” in pushing for Southern Kaduna’s fair representation at the federal level. According to the group, the governor’s support for Musa’s nomination and his efforts in developing the region — including the establishment of the University of Applied Sciences in Kachia and the Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan — mark a sharp contrast to what it described as the exclusion of the region under former Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
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The journalists recalled that in September 2023, they had appealed to President Tinubu to allocate the Kaduna ministerial slot to Southern Kaduna following the Senate’s rejection of El-Rufai’s nomination. They said the President’s eventual decision to choose General Musa showed he was a “listening and responsive leader committed to inclusive governance.”
Describing the appointment as a moment of pride for the region, the Forum expressed confidence that the new minister would bring “competence, capacity, capability, courage, and character” to the task of strengthening the country’s defence architecture.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to promoting credible journalism and supporting policies that advance unity and fairness in Kaduna State and across Nigeria.
