Gov. Sani’s aide cautions against criticisms that could distract defence minister

As defence minister Christopher Musa’s views in a recent interview continue to generate public interest, Mr Victor Bobai, media aide to Kaduna governor Uba Sani, has cautioned against criticisms that could distract him.

Bobai told newsmen on Sunday in Abuja that the minister should be allowed to focus on the “all-important task of tackling insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other crimes plaguing the nation”.

Musa, in the recent television interview, spoke on various issues including politics, security and the 2027 elections. He commended efforts by Gov. Uba Sani to restore peace, mutual respect, friendship and love across all lines in Kaduna State.

He said that Sani’s efforts were a sharp contrast to his predecessor’s actions that polarised the state along various divides.
The minister’s views have generated various reactions with some describing them as “frank, truthful and forthright”, while others felt otherwise.

But Bobai, while acknowledging Nigerians’ right to hold their individual opinions on every issue, said that the minister’s frank response to newsmen’s questions only reflected his readiness to speak openly about sensitive issues, particularly those relating to security and governance.

Bobai, Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to the Governor, urged Nigerians to encourage Musa to remain focused on his professional responsibilities.

“We are happy standing with someone who has considered truth as his shield and honour. We must encourage him to stay focused on his professional career as he is winning the war against insecurity in the country.”

According to him, the minister’s views were purely personal.

“The thoughts he expressed were just his opinion. Nigerians should distinguish between the authority attached to a military office and the personal or political views expressed by a retired military officer serving in a civilian administration. We must distinguish between an official directive and a political opinion. Musa did not issue a military order, announce a defence policy or instruct the Armed Forces to support any political party,” Bobai explained.

Bobai also cautioned against reducing Musa’s decades of military service to a single television interview.
He described Musa’s career, including his service in the North-East, his tenure as Chief of Defence Staff and his subsequent appointment as Minister of Defence, as a continuation of national service.

“This is a man whose professional life was built around the Nigerian flag before any political party became relevant to his present position,” he said.

According to Bobai, Nigeria should be able to accommodate experienced voices without compromising democratic accountability.

“Nigeria cannot simultaneously demand experienced leadership and then punish experienced people whenever they speak honestly about difficult realities,” he said.

Bobai also reacted to questions about neutrality and the responsibility of a defence minister when commenting on politically sensitive matters.

“Disagreements in individual opinions should be settled through evidence rather than personal attacks. Nigerians should feel free to challenge Musa’s facts if you disagree with them. Let such challengers produce evidence. Correct him where necessary. But don’t replace argument with insults,” he said.

NAN

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