Defence Minister: Northern Students Back Gen Christopher Musa, Want President to Appoint Him

Defence Minister: Northern Students Back Gen Christopher Musa, Want President to Appoint Him

By Monday DANLADI, Bauchi

President  Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been called upon to consider appointing the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa as the next Minister of Defence. 

This is following the resignation of Muhammad Badaru Abubakar as Minister. 

The advice was given by a body known as Northern Forum of Joint Campus Council (JCC) Chairmen of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), in a statement titled: "Call for the appointment of General Christopher Musa Gwabin (Rtd) as Minister of Defence". 

According to the statement signed by Sen. Ibrahim Salihu Maigoro Executive Chairman, Northern Forum of JCC Chairmen National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), made available to Journalists in Bauchi on Tuesday, the call became expedient following the resignation of the Honourable Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, on Monday.

The statement reads: "As a body representing millions of Nigerian Students across Northern Nigeria, we recognize the sensitive and strategic importance of the Ministry of Defence—especially at a time when the country continues to confront security challenges that require experienced, stable, and patriotic leadership."

It further contained,"In light of this development, we respectfully call on His Excellency, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to consider appointing former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa Gwabin (Rtd), as the new Minister of Defence."

According to the group,"General Musa Gwabin has demonstrated exceptional professionalism, courage, and dedication to national security throughout his service." 

It stressed that, "His leadership as the Chief of Defence Staff was marked by operational discipline, improved military coordination, and a strong commitment to safeguarding the territorial integrity of Nigeria." 

"His track record speaks to a man of integrity, competence, and deep understanding of Nigeria’s complex security architecture," it added.

The group stressed that, "We firmly believe that his appointment will restore stability, enhance strategic operations, and bolster public confidence in the defence establishment." 

According to the group, "At this critical moment, the nation needs a tested and trusted security expert who can immediately step in and deliver results without hesitation." 

It added, "Nigerian students across the North and nationwide stand firmly behind this call as a patriotic appeal for the continued peace, stability, and unity of our dear country." 

The group concluded that, "We remain committed to supporting all efforts aimed at strengthening national security under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, the President."