Reactions have trailed negative comments on social media against the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, as a socio-political group known as Musawah for Youth and Development Initiative has urged public commentators and political actors to approach national security issues with the seriousness and patriotism it deserve.
National Coordinator of Musawah for Youth and Development Initiative, Ambassador Polycarp Gankon, made the call during a news conference while reacting to social media calls for the resignation of the minister.
Gankon said the group’s attention was drawn to public statements and social media videos in which activist Omoyele Sowore and a group identified as Arewa Youths, led by Abdul Dan Bature, criticised the Defence Minister and called for his removal over rising insecurity in the country.
According to the group, Dan Bature had demanded the minister’s removal from office while Sowore allegedly mocked the minister’s proposal to strengthen Nigeria’s border security, describing the suggestion to reinforce the nation’s borders as ineffective in addressing insecurity.
The Musawah group noted that the comments have generated intense debate on social media but warned that such remarks could fuel misinformation and politicise a sensitive national issue.
Gankon described General Musa as a seasoned military officer who has dedicated decades of service to the defence of Nigeria, noting that he has held several operational and strategic positions in the Armed Forces and played critical roles in combating insurgency, terrorism and banditry across various parts of the country.
He stressed that like many security leaders globally, the minister occasionally communicates with the public to explain security challenges and reassure citizens, adding that such engagement should not be misinterpreted or trivialised.
The group also urged critics to exercise caution when making sweeping statements about national security leadership, particularly at a time when Nigerian troops are engaged in operations against terrorists and criminal elements across the country.
Musawah for Youth and Development Initiative d further called on political actors, activists and public commentators to promote constructive dialogue that strengthens national institutions rather than undermining public confidence in them.
The organisation emphasised that Nigeria’s security challenges require collective responsibility and patriotic support from all stakeholders to ensure lasting peace and stability.
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