The Southern Kaduna Journalists’ Forum (SKJF) on Wednesday commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing the former Chief of Defence Staff, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, as Minister of Defence, describing the decision as “well-deserved and nationally reassuring.”
At a press briefing addressed by SKJF Chairman, Ango Bally, and Secretary, Lilian Silas, the group said Musa’s appointment was a fitting recognition of his “illustrious military career, strategic brilliance, and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s unity and security.”
SKJF noted that Musa’s tenure as Chief of Defence Staff earned him “national and international respect,” adding that his record positioned him as a capable leader to oversee the nation’s defence architecture at a critical time.
The forum also praised the Senate for what it called a “swift and professional confirmation process,” describing the bipartisan support Musa enjoyed as evidence of widespread confidence in his integrity and competence.
In the same vein, SKJF commended Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for what it described as his pivotal role in advancing development in Southern Kaduna and supporting Musa’s nomination. It cited the University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, the Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan, and the completion of previously abandoned infrastructure projects as examples of the governor’s commitment to inclusive development.
The group noted that Sani’s support for Musa reflected “a bridge-building leadership style,” contrasting it with what it termed the “exclusionary tendencies” of the previous administration.
SKJF recalled that in September 2023, it had appealed to President Tinubu to allocate Kaduna’s ministerial slot to Southern Kaduna following the Senate’s rejection of an earlier nominee. The president’s latest decision, it said, restored a sense of fairness and strengthened national cohesion.
Describing Musa’s appointment as a “moment of pride” for the region, the forum expressed confidence that the new defence minister would bring competence, courage, capacity, and character to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
Reaffirming its commitment to credible journalism and nation-building, SKJF pledged continued support for policies that promote unity and shared prosperity. It also prayed for divine guidance for the new minister as he assumes his national assignment.