Niger Debacle: Group exonerates CDS General Musa of vendetta, compromise
…….says Musa detribalised and professional soldier
Concerned Citizens of the North-East on Sunday exonerated General Christopher Gabwin Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, Defence Headquarters from allegations of religious and ethnic intolerance.
In a press statement signed by Secretary of CNE Awwal Ahmed, the group titled ‘General CG Musa has always been a detribalised and professional soldier, its bemoaned media attacks against the respected officer.
The group noted that although Musa, a practising Christian was born in Sokoto, adding that he has shown tolerance for other religions especially adherents of the Islamic faith.
The statement partly read, “Our attention has been drawn to a calculated attempt by some misinformed religious scholars within and outside Nigeria to discredit the name and the good reputation of General Christopher Gabwin Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, Defence Headquarters, Abuja.
“While we recognise the right of everyone to voice their opinion on any national or international issue, we also believe that it is wrong for us to keep silent when innocent persons who are trying to discharge their constitutional duties are being maligned and blackmailed by others.
“For the records, we want to make it clear that General Musa, who was born and grew up in Sokoto, has strong credentials when it comes to the issue of religious tolerance even though he is a committed Christian.”
CNE also highlighted the track record of Musa, which its described as sterling and without blemish, adding that there was no traces of vendetta.
“For the avoidance of doubt, we want to categorically state that General Musa served as Theatre Commander, Operation HADIN DAI, with impeccable record. His record is there for all to see. General Musa assisted and helped the Musa community to the best of his ability, and their are many people that attest to that. It was his sterling track record as a professional infantry general that earned him the position of CDS.
“It is, therefore, wrong for anyone to link General Musa with revenge or vendetta on behalf of Zangon Kataf because of what is happening in Niger Republic.
“The Nigerian military is a professional institution that is highly detribalised apolitical and non religious. Therefore, we advise the public to desist from making comments that can denigrate its personnel or the military as an institution,” the group added.
