…Asks Nigerians to furnish him with local Intel

From Sola Ojo, Abuja

A Chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) and a former Special Adviser to the Executive Governor of Kaduna State on Stakeholder Relations, Hon. Jonah Bonet Pompo, has revealed that Governor Uba Sani played a decisive behind-the-scenes role in lobbying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appoint General Christopher Gwabin Musa as Nigeria’s Minister of Defence. According to him, the move has sparked widespread jubilation across Southern Kaduna, the entire state, and beyond, as Nigerians express renewed hope in the fight against insecurity under General Musa’s ministerial capabilities.

How did you receive the news of the nomination and swift confirmation of General C.G. Musa as new Minister of Defence?

The news was received with wide jubilation. In Southern Kaduna, there was a massive celebration. Across Kaduna State, there was jubilation. Even at the national level, Nigerians rejoiced. Christians and Muslims alike celebrated the appointment. In fact, as some distinguished senators also noted, there has hardly been any nomination in recent times that enjoyed such overwhelming bipartisan support in the Senate as that of General C.G. Musa. The General himself even mentioned that when he checked his Facebook page, he saw that virtually everyone was in support of his appointment.

We truly thank God for granting the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria the wisdom to appoint General C.G. Musa as Minister of Defence. As the people of Kaduna State and particularly as the people of Southern Kaduna, we deeply appreciate this gesture.

This is a demanding task, especially at a time when the country is grappling with serious security challenges and U.S intervention threats. What do you think Nigeria should do to help him achieve better results, beyond what he did as Chief of Defence Staff?

Like he rightly said, security is not a one-man business, and it should not be left solely in the hands of the military. Every citizen has a vital role to play. If you see something, you must report it. Security is a collective responsibility of the entire community. In the past, when a visitor came into a community, they were required to report at the traditional ruler’s palace. Today, anyone can move freely into any community without notice. So for General C.G. Musa to succeed, citizens must actively support his initiatives.

We also believe that the President must support him with the necessary equipment, while the senate should back him with appropriate laws. If we all come together as one, we will surely succeed.

When last did Southern Kaduna have a minister at the federal level?

During the Obasanjo administration, Southern Kaduna produced a Minister. During the Yar’Adua era, we also had a Minister. Under President Goodluck Jonathan, Southern Kaduna again had ministerial representation.

However, when the late former President, General Buhari came into power, Southern Kaduna was sidelined. Even at a time when Kaduna State had two Ministers, nobody from Southern Kaduna was nominated.

Under the administration of Nasir El-Rufai, Southern Kaduna was completely excluded. With due respect, there was a clear pattern of neglect and marginalisation. That is why the people of Southern Kaduna must support the present government. We believe that similar political forces are now trying to reposition themselves under a new platform, but history has shown their agenda. If such forces regain power, Southern Kaduna may once again be sidelined. This is why we must remain vigilant and supportive of inclusive governance.

There are also indications that the Kaduna State Governor may have played key roles behind the scenes in this appointment. Do you have any insight into how the nomination of General C.G. Musa came about?

Yes, definitely. If you recall, about three weeks ago, the Governor paid a courtesy visit to the President at the Villa. The President has always shown concern for the people of Southern Kaduna, and the governor has also consistently stood by the people. More importantly, the governor has always been a close friend and brother to General C.G. Musa. From reliable sources, we know that the governor actively lobbied Mr. President for General C.G. Musa to be reappointed so he could continue the good work he started.

So, on behalf of the people of Southern Kaduna, we sincerely thank the president and also thank the governor for the important role he played in the nomination of General C.G. Musa as the Honourable Minister of Defence.

Southern Kaduna is traditionally known as a stronghold of the PDP. With this recent development, do you see a possible shift in voting pattern in 2027 in favour of the ruling APC?

The people of Southern Kaduna move as a bloc when they decide to support a political party. Despite the fact that many did not vote for Mr. President during the last election, he has shown us genuine love through his actions. He approved a federal university for us. He approved a federal medical centre which we never had before. He also approved an industrial zone. These are tangible developments that directly affect the lives of our people. Because of these achievements, many political leaders who were previously elected under the PDP including members of the House of Representatives and the House of Assembly have now aligned with the APC.

This is largely because of what the President has done for Southern Kaduna, especially in the areas of education and healthcare. Furthermore, Governor Uba Sani has clearly demonstrated his goodwill towards our people. He has shown us that we can sit at the roundtable with him. Let me give you a practical example. During the previous administration, some prominent sons of Southern Kaduna were reportedly barred from entering the Government House. These included respected leaders such as the current chairman of the Southern Kaduna Elders Forum, General Zamani Lawal (rtd), and the President of SOKAPU. However, under the present administration, these same leaders now freely visit the Government House. They are consulted and received with dignity.

This clearly shows that the former administration was hostile to the people of Southern Kaduna, while the present APC-led government has demonstrated inclusiveness and respect.

But, both the immediate past and current administration are APC-led. Why your position?

Governor Uba Sani does not segregate. Whether you are Yoruba, Bajju, Hausa, Fulani, Christian, or Muslim, he treats everyone as one. That is why the people of Southern Kaduna are united in their support. I can confidently assure you that in 2027, Governor Uba Sani will receive no less than 90 percent of the votes from Southern Kaduna, delivered largely as a bloc.

There are very high expectations following the new minister. Across all divides. Many people are saying this is one of the best appointments made in recent times. What practical role can communities play to ensure his success as Minister of Defence?

I strongly believe that security is local. In almost every case of kidnapping and criminal activity within communities, there are informants. What we are calling on our people to do is simple: if you see anyone whose behaviour is suspicious or whose movement you do not understand, report immediately to security agencies. The military and the police cannot be everywhere at the same time. They are not spirits. They cannot cover every village simultaneously. That is why I believe that the people at the grassroots level have about 80 percent of the responsibility in tackling insecurity. Any movement, any unfamiliar face, any suspicious activity should be reported either to the traditional ruler, the ward head, or the nearest police station. That is the only way General C.G. Musa and the entire security architecture can succeed. So, our final advice to him is this: let him see this ministry not as a place to make money, but as a platform to genuinely serve Nigerians and secure the nation.