Kaduna Group Defends Musa, Accuses El-Rufai Of Dividing State

 

"Attempts to condemn Musa over his remarks during a recent Channels Television interview amounts to an effort to distort the history of El-Rufai's administration." Kaduna State Muslim-Christian Network for Good Governance Group

The Kaduna State Muslim-Christian Network for Good Governance has defended the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, over his recent comments on former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, accusing the former governor of policies that allegedly deepened divisions and insecurity in the state.

The group, in a statement yesterday, said attempts to condemn Musa over his remarks during a recent Channels Television interview amounted to an effort to distort the history of El-Rufai's administration.

It said residents of Kaduna State were witnesses to what it described as the “divisive and arbitrary” nature of El-Rufai's administration between 2015 and 2023.

The group alleged that the administration was characterised by mass sackings of workers, actions against traditional rulers, demolition of markets and homes, poor handling of insecurity and the suppression of dissent.

It also accused the former governor of allegedly deploying religion as a political tool, particularly during elections, and pursuing policies it claimed marginalised some sections of the state.

The network said reactions to Musa's comments had been driven by what it described as “selective amnesia and ethno-religious rhetoric”.

It argued that the Minister's comments should be viewed against the broader experience of Kaduna residents and not interpreted as an attack on any particular ethnic or religious group.

The group also faulted attempts to limit Musa's reference to people affected by El-Rufai's policies to Southern Kaduna.

It said the Minister was referring to Kaduna residents generally who, according to it, lost their lives or suffered as a result of policies, actions or alleged failures of the former administration.

“General Musa's remarks on that ugly past are a true reflection of what we experienced in the state during those toxic years,” the statement said.

The group challenged those who disagreed with the Defence Minister to present facts to counter his claims rather than resort to ethnic or religious sentiments.

It declared its “total support” for Musa and commended his efforts in addressing Nigeria's security challenges.

The network urged the minister to continue working with other stakeholders in the security sector to make the country safer.

It also called on residents of Kaduna State to support the present administration in its efforts to promote unity, inclusiveness and fairness in governance.

The statement was signed by the group's Chairman, Tahir Tanko; Secretary, Steven Kefas; Publicity Secretary, Adamu Abdullahi; and members Yakubu Adamu, Joyce Michael, Kevin Bahago and Zariyi