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A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mohammed Lawal, has thrown his weight behind the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), over his recent comments concerning former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, urging politicians and public commentators to exercise restraint when discussing sensitive national security matters.
Lawal said Musa, given his position as Defence Minister and his decades of military service, has a responsibility to speak candidly on issues with implications for the security and territorial integrity of Nigeria.
In a statement, the APC chieftain said the minister’s comments should be viewed within the broader context of his constitutional and institutional responsibility to protect the country.
“General Christopher Musa is a distinguished Nigerian who has dedicated decades of his life to the service and defence of our country. As Minister of Defence, he has a duty to speak on issues that have direct implications for national security,” Lawal said.
He added: “We should therefore assess his comments fairly and within the context in which they were made.”
Lawal warned against allowing political disagreements to undermine public confidence in institutions responsible for protecting the country, stressing that national security should remain a collective responsibility.
According to him, El-Rufai, as a former governor and prominent Nigerian, has the right to express his political views, but such views should be communicated in ways that do not unnecessarily weaken confidence in the nation’s security institutions.
“While Malam Nasir El-Rufai, as a former governor and prominent Nigerian, is entitled to his views and political opinions, such views should be expressed in a manner that does not unnecessarily weaken public confidence in the nation’s security institutions or distract from the urgent task of addressing insecurity,” he said.
The APC chieftain called for unity and constructive engagement among political leaders, saying criticism remains an important part of democratic governance but should be exercised with an appreciation of the responsibilities carried by national security officials.
“The country needs unity, responsible leadership and constructive engagement. Criticism is part of democracy, but it must be balanced with an appreciation of the enormous responsibilities borne by those entrusted with national security,” Lawal said.
He also appealed to political leaders and public commentators to avoid statements capable of deepening divisions or creating unnecessary tension among Nigerians and members of the security services.
Lawal commended Gen. Musa and members of the armed forces for what he described as their continued sacrifices in protecting Nigerians, particularly in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other forms of insecurity.
He maintained that tackling the country’s security challenges requires sustained cooperation and support from Nigerians across political divides.
The APC chieftain therefore urged Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation, to put national interest above partisan considerations and support efforts aimed at strengthening the country’s security architecture.
