Southern Kaduna Professionals Stand Firm Behind Defence Minister Musa, Cite Unhealed Wounds of El-Rufai Era

By: Abubakar Labaran

The Southern Kaduna Professionals Forum (SKPF) has thrown its weight behind Defence Minister General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.), asserting that his recent reflections on the painful legacy of the El-Rufai administration resonate deeply with communities still recovering from years of insecurity and loss.

In a press statement signed by SKPF President Architect Samuel H. Yakubu and made available to newsmen through Director of Media and Strategic Communications Mr. Israel Bulus, the Forum emphasized that General Musa's remarks should be understood within the framework of his distinguished military career and current constitutional responsibilities.

Having served as Chief of Defence Staff and held numerous critical command positions, General Musa possesses "considerable institutional knowledge of Nigeria's security challenges and the devastating consequences of violent conflict on communities," the statement noted. His recent interview on Channels Television, the Forum said, reflected genuine concerns about the "painful experiences, insecurity and divisions" that marked parts of Kaduna State during the period in question.

The SKPF stressed that the Minister's intervention "should not be reduced to political rhetoric or interpreted through ethnic or religious lenses" but rather viewed against his professional background and duty to contribute to national security and unity.

"General Christopher Gwabin Musa is first and foremost a national security professional who has devoted decades of his life to the service of Nigeria. His observations on insecurity, conflict and its consequences are informed by extensive operational and institutional experience," the Forum stated.

The SKPF recalled that communities across Zangon Kataf, Kaura, Jema'a, Kachia, Kajuru, Kauru, Chikun and surrounding areas endured repeated attacks, loss of lives, displacement of families, destruction of homes and farmlands, and the erosion of trust during that period. "These experiences must remain part of the collective memory of Kaduna State," the Forum insisted, "not to promote bitterness or division, but to ensure that the mistakes and failures of the past are not repeated."

Balancing remembrance with reconciliation, the Forum declared: "General Musa has reminded Nigerians that the experiences of communities affected by insecurity should not be forgotten. But remembering those experiences must never become a justification for revenge, discrimination or the reopening of ethnic and religious divisions. The appropriate response is to learn from the past, strengthen our institutions, protect every citizen and build a society in which no community feels abandoned or excluded."

The SKPF commended Governor Uba Sani for his efforts toward promoting unity, dialogue and inclusive governance, describing his administration's approach as "an opportunity to rebuild trust among communities that have been divided by years of insecurity and mistrust."

"Kaduna belongs to every citizen, irrespective of ethnic, religious or geographical background," the Forum emphasized. "Our people need security, justice, development and equal opportunities. They do not need another cycle of ethnic or religious division."

The Forum called on political leaders, traditional institutions, religious figures, civil society, professional bodies and citizens to promote responsible dialogue and cautioned against narratives capable of reopening old wounds. It reaffirmed its commitment to contributing to Southern Kaduna's development through constructive engagement, professional advocacy and peaceful dialogue.