CSGG COUNTERS CALL FOR REMOVAL OF DEFENCE MINISTER CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA, WARNS AGAINST DISTRACTION AND MANIPULATION
The Citizens Support for Good Governance (CSGG) has strongly reacted to renewed calls for the removal of Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, describing such calls as unsubstantiated, divisive and capable of creating unnecessary distractions at a critical period in Nigeria’s fight against insecurity.
The position of the organisation was made known by Emmanuel Bagu, Assistant Director of Media and Communications of the Citizens Support for Good Governance (CSGG), while making a submission on behalf of the organisation.
Reacting to comments attributed to Sheikh Dalha Abubakar Abdullahi Kantana, Second Deputy Chairman of the World Council of Ulama of the Izalah Organisation, calling for the removal of the Minister of Defence and his replacement, Bagu said that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to express opinions and criticise public officials.
He, however, maintained that serious allegations, particularly those capable of creating religious tension, must be supported by credible and verifiable evidence.
According to Bagu, General Christopher Gwabin Musa must not be judged or condemned on the basis of religious sentiments, political pressure, rumours or unsubstantiated allegations.
«“The office of the Minister of Defence belongs to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and not to any religious group. Every public officer must be judged on the basis of the Constitution, the law, evidence, competence and performance—not religious identity, sentiments or propaganda.”»
Bagu said Nigeria is currently facing serious security challenges requiring unity, professionalism and responsible leadership rather than attempts to introduce unnecessary religious divisions into the country’s national security architecture.
He maintained that anyone alleging that the Minister of Defence has discriminated against Muslims, Christians or any section of Nigerians should present specific allegations and verifiable evidence through appropriate constitutional and legal channels.
NO DISTRACTION, NO MANIPULATION
The CSGG spokesman further noted that the organisation had already called for a comprehensive, credible and independent investigation into all allegations and unresolved issues arising from the administration of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
According to him, the organisation’s call was made in the interest of truth, justice, accountability and the healing of Kaduna State.
Bagu said the CSGG had also called for the support and involvement of credible international actors and institutions, where necessary, to ensure transparency and impartiality in investigating serious allegations.
He stressed that the organisation’s position remains clear:
«“All allegations must be investigated. Every victim deserves justice, and every innocent person deserves to be cleared. Nobody should be condemned merely because of political, religious or personal sentiments.”»
He added that where allegations are made against any individual, including General Christopher Gwabin Musa, such allegations must equally be subjected to facts, evidence and due process.
However, Bagu warned that any attempt to use religious sentiments, public pressure, propaganda or manipulation to distract Nigerians from legitimate demands for accountability and investigation would not be acceptable.
INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT FOR TRUTH AND JUSTICE
CSGG reiterated its position that credible international actors and institutions should support transparent and impartial processes in addressing serious allegations relating to governance, human rights, insecurity and other unresolved issues.
According to Bagu, the objective is not persecution or political witch-hunting but the establishment of truth.
«“Nigeria and Kaduna State need healing. Healing cannot be built on silence, fear, selective justice or manipulation. There must be a credible process capable of investigating serious allegations and allowing evidence to speak for itself.”»
He said no political interest, religious organisation, ethnic group or influential individual should be allowed to manipulate public opinion or derail legitimate efforts aimed at establishing the truth.
RELIGIOUS LEADERS MUST PROMOTE UNITY
Bagu also appealed to religious leaders across Nigeria to exercise restraint and caution in making statements capable of increasing religious tension.
He noted that Muslims and Christians have lived together, worked together and suffered together from insecurity and should not allow national security matters to become instruments of religious polarisation.
«“Terrorists and criminals do not ask their victims whether they are Muslims or Christians before attacking them. Nigeria’s security challenges require collective action, national unity and responsible leadership—not religious division.”»
The CSGG Assistant Director of Media and Communications called on Nigerians to reject attempts to create the impression that General Christopher Gwabin Musa is against any religion without credible and verifiable evidence.
He said that where genuine grievances exist, they should be properly documented and investigated by competent authorities.
PRESENT EVIDENCE OR ALLOW DUE PROCESS
Bagu maintained that General Christopher Gwabin Musa, like every other Nigerian, is entitled to fairness and due process.
«“We will not support the persecution of any Nigerian without evidence. We will not support discrimination against Muslims or Christians. We will not support selective justice. And we will not accept distraction or manipulation designed to prevent the truth from emerging regarding serious allegations before the Nigerian people.”»
He called on Nigerians to remain calm and allow competent institutions and credible independent mechanisms to examine all allegations objectively.
CSGG therefore reiterated its commitment to the pursuit of truth, justice, accountability and national unity.
«“Let the truth be investigated. Let evidence be presented. Let justice be done. Let the innocent be cleared, and let anyone found culpable be held accountable in accordance with the law. But Nigeria must reject manipulation, religious division and every attempt to distract the nation from the pursuit of truth and justice.”»
EMMANUEL BAGU
Assistant Director of Media and Communications
Citizens Support for Good Governance (CSGG)
