The Afro Caribbean and Africa Caribbean Conservative Association (ACCA), UK/Nigeria Chapter, under the leadership of Dixon Coker,
founder and chairman,has taken note of the statement issued by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), calling on the Federal Government to caution the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd.), over comments attributed to him concerning former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
While ACCA respects MURIC’s right to express its views on matters of national interest, we strongly disagree with the organisation’s characterisation of the Defence Minister’s comments as evidence of a “personal vendetta” or an attempt to promote ethnic or regional interests.
General Christopher Musa is a senior military officer who has dedicated a significant part of his life to the service and defence of Nigeria. His record of service, including his experience confronting insecurity in some of the country’s most challenging environments, gives him a legitimate basis to speak on national security matters and the consequences of actions and policies that may affect national cohesion.
National security issues should not be reduced to ethnic politics
ACCA is particularly concerned about MURIC’s attempt to interpret the Defence Minister’s reference to Southern Kaduna as evidence that he was promoting his “tribe.”
Such an interpretation is unnecessarily divisive.
A public official referring to a region with which he has a personal or professional connection does not automatically amount to ethnic mobilisation. The Minister of Defence has repeatedly operated within the framework of his constitutional responsibility to protect Nigeria and its citizens.
Indeed, General Musa’s position as Defence Minister requires him to discuss security incidents across the country, including events in Kaduna and other areas where communities have suffered violence.
The appropriate question should therefore be whether the substance of his statements is factual and relevant to national security—not whether he has a personal connection to the communities involved.
The Defence Minister has a right to respond to the narrative
ACCA also rejects the suggestion that General Musa should be silenced or cautioned simply because his comments concern a former public office holder.
Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is a prominent Nigerian political figure and former governor who occupied important public positions. His record in office is legitimately subject to public scrutiny, debate and historical assessment.
Criticism of a former public official cannot automatically be dismissed as a “vendetta.”
If allegations made by the Defence Minister are disputed, the appropriate response is to present evidence, facts and an alternative account of events—not to portray the minister as acting out of ethnic hostility or personal animosity.
Nigeria’s democracy must accommodate robust debate, including uncomfortable discussions about the conduct of those who have occupied public office.
Security officials must be allowed to speak about security
ACCA believes that Nigeria’s security challenges are too serious to be subjected to selective outrage.
For years, Nigerians have demanded greater transparency from security officials concerning terrorism, banditry, communal violence, kidnappings and other threats to national security. It would therefore be contradictory to demand transparency from security authorities while simultaneously attempting to restrict their ability to discuss the history and circumstances surrounding security crises.
General Musa should be judged by the totality of his performance as Defence Minister, including his efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture and protect Nigerian lives and territory.
Where his statements contain factual inaccuracies, those inaccuracies can be challenged with evidence. But calling for the Federal Government to “caution” him merely because MURIC disagrees with his account risks creating the impression that security officials are expected to remain silent on politically sensitive matters.
Nobody is above scrutiny
ACCA also rejects the argument that criticism of El-Rufai is inappropriate because he is allegedly unable to respond at the moment.
Public accountability cannot be suspended whenever a controversial public figure is unavailable to immediately respond to criticism.
At the same time, ACCA believes that every individual is entitled to due process and a fair opportunity to answer serious allegations. This principle applies equally to former governors, serving ministers, military officers and ordinary citizens.
If any allegation made against Mallam El-Rufai is false, his representatives, lawyers or supporters remain free to provide evidence and challenge it through appropriate channels.
What Nigeria does not need is a situation where political disagreements are transformed into ethnic accusations.
ACCA calls for restraint on all sides
The Afro Caribbean and Africa Caribbean Conservative Association believes that Nigeria needs responsible public discourse at a time when the country is battling insecurity, economic pressures and social tensions.
We therefore urge all stakeholders—including MURIC—to exercise restraint and avoid language capable of turning legitimate disagreements into ethnic or religious confrontations.
The Defence Minister should equally remain focused on his constitutional responsibilities and ensure that his public interventions continue to reflect the national character of his office.
However, ACCA firmly rejects the insinuation that General Christopher Musa should be silenced or reprimanded simply because his comments about a former governor are uncomfortable to some sections of society.
Our position
ACCA UK/Nigeria Chapter therefore:
Rejects MURIC’s allegation that the Defence Minister’s comments necessarily amount to a personal vendetta against Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
Supports General Christopher Musa’s right to speak on security matters and the historical circumstances surrounding insecurity in Nigeria.
Rejects attempts to portray legitimate discussion of Southern Kaduna security issues as ethnic mobilisation.
Calls for all allegations concerning public officials to be subjected to evidence, investigation and due process rather than ethnic or religious interpretations.
Urges MURIC and other stakeholders to avoid statements that could unnecessarily deepen Nigeria’s religious, ethnic and regional fault lines.
Calls on the Federal Government to allow the Defence Minister to concentrate on the urgent task of protecting Nigerians and strengthening national security.
Nigeria needs fewer accusations of ethnic conspiracy and more evidence-based conversations about the security challenges confronting the nation.
General Christopher Musa serves as Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. His mandate is national, and he should be judged by his commitment to that mandate, his professional conduct and the results of his stewardship—not by insinuations based on his ethnic or regional background.
