A civil society organisation, the Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development, has congratulated the former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, on his appointment and confirmation as Minister of Defence.
Its Executive Director, Dr Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, said in a statement on Thursday that Musa’s appointment was “well deserved” and the “right choice at a critical stage” in Nigeria’s battle against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, militancy and kidnapping.
Shinkafi commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing Musa, saying it reflected the President’s “resolve and unwavering commitment to crush terrorists and armed bandits”.
According to him, the nationwide acceptance of Musa “is an eloquent testimony of his patriotism, professionalism, integrity and tenacity of purpose”.
He praised recent security measures, including the overhaul of service chiefs, the declaration of a state of emergency on security, the order to recruit 50,000 personnel into the armed forces and the withdrawal of police escorts from VIPs.
Shinkafi described recent terrorist attacks — including the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba in Borno State and mass abductions of schoolgirls in Kebbi and Niger — as “despicable”, insisting that the country needed a defence minister with a strong military background.
He criticised the past appointment of Mohammed Badaru and the current Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, arguing that their lack of military experience “grossly affected” the fight against terrorism.
He referenced Matawalle’s old television interview where he said “not all bandits are criminals”, describing it as evidence of poor judgement.
Shinkafi argued that it would be inappropriate for Matawalle to remain in office under the new minister, saying the arrangement could trigger a personality clash.
He therefore called for Matawalle’s immediate removal, adding that the office of Minister of State for Defence should be scrapped entirely.
According to him, the current structure creates parallel administrations and weakens the command system, especially as key units such as the maritime domain and Defence Industries Corporation fall under the junior minister.
He stressed that the Ministry of Defence must be led by someone with a military track record who can “effectively coordinate the armed forces and safeguard the nation’s territorial integrity”.
Shinkafi also advised the President to ignore “political hirelings” urging him to retain Matawalle, saying they were motivated by personal gain.
He urged Nigerians to support President Tinubu, General Musa and the security agencies in strengthening national security and unity.
