….Says military leadership must rise above religious and ethnic sentiments
By Abdullahi Inuwa
The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has come under criticism after Bishir Garba Sufyan accused him of making a remark he described as capable of raising concerns over religious and ethnic sentiments within the country’s military leadership.
Sufyan made the accusation in a post on his X account while reacting to comments allegedly made by Musa during a recent interview, particularly the minister’s reference to “our people.”
According to Sufyan, Musa was born and raised in Sokoto State and spent a significant part of his formative years in a predominantly Muslim community.
He alleged that the community provided Musa with acceptance, support and shelter, arguing that this background made the minister’s choice of words a matter worthy of public concern.
Sufyan stressed that the Nigerian military is expected to remain above religious, ethnic and regional divisions, particularly because of its constitutional responsibility to protect citizens irrespective of their backgrounds.
He argued that military training and orientation should promote national unity and discourage sentiments that could create divisions among Nigerians.
“The military is supposed to be an institution that brings Nigerians together, regardless of their religion, ethnicity, region or background,” Sufyan said.
Expressing his lack of confidence in the Defence Minister, Sufyan called for Musa’s immediate resignation from office.
He maintained that senior military leadership should demonstrate impartiality and ensure that Nigerians of different faiths and ethnic backgrounds feel equally represented and protected by the Armed Forces.
The comments have added to the wider public conversation surrounding statements by political and security leaders on sensitive religious and ethnic issues in Nigeria.
Sufyan also tagged Amnesty International Nigeria in his post, apparently drawing the organisation’s attention to his concerns.
However, the allegations and demand for resignation represent Sufyan’s position. The full context of Musa’s interview, including what he meant by the phrase “our people,” would be necessary to independently assess the controversy.
As of the time of filing this report, Musa had not publicly responded to Sufyan’s demand for his resignation.
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