Musa Spoke the Truth, But Northerners Are Turning His Words Into Another War

By Murtala Bello

General Christopher Gwabin Musa spoke about issues that demand serious reflection, but sadly, some Northerners are turning his comments into another divisive political battle.

What should have been an opportunity to examine the challenges facing Northern Nigeria has quickly become a contest between supporters and critics of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

Musa’s comments, particularly his assessment of El-Rufai’s administration and the divisions that emerged in Kaduna, should not be reduced to a personal confrontation between two prominent figures.

For me, the real question is not whether one supports Musa or El-Rufai. The question is whether the issues raised by the Minister of Defence deserve honest examination.

Northern Nigeria has suffered enormously from insecurity, communal violence, political disagreements and social divisions. Pretending that these problems do not exist will not make them disappear.

That is why I believe Musa was telling Northerners a truth that many people have been reluctant to confront. But instead of asking difficult questions, some people have chosen to attack the messenger.

Ironically, some of the same Northerners who constantly preach unity are now using Musa’s comments to deepen the very divisions they claim to oppose.

Every statement is being interpreted through political loyalty. If you support El-Rufai, you are expected to reject Musa completely. If you agree with Musa, you are immediately labelled as being against El-Rufai.

This is dangerous.

We cannot build a peaceful and prosperous North by making loyalty to individual politicians more important than the welfare of ordinary people.

Whether Musa is right or wrong on particular allegations, his comments provide an opportunity for Northerners to examine what happened in Kaduna and other parts of the region.

If there are claims that are inaccurate, let them be challenged with facts. If there are allegations that require evidence, let evidence be presented. But shouting, insults and political mobilisation will not solve anything.

The North has more serious problems to worry about than political quarrels. Banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, poverty, unemployment and the destruction of livelihoods continue to affect millions of our people.

Our leaders and citizens must therefore learn to separate issues from personalities. Criticising a former governor should not become an attack on an entire region, just as defending a former governor should not require dismissing every concern raised about his administration.

I am particularly concerned that some Northerners are turning Musa’s comments into an ethnic or sectional argument. That is precisely the wrong direction. We should be seeking reconciliation, understanding and justice rather than reopening old wounds for political advantage.

General Musa did not create every division that exists in Northern Nigeria. His comments have simply brought some uncomfortable questions back into public discussion.

The mature response is to confront those questions honestly. We must be able to say where our leaders succeeded, where they failed and what lessons should be learned without turning every conversation into a political war.

The North needs truth more than propaganda, accountability more than blind loyalty and unity more than political hero worship.

So, rather than turning General Musa’s comments into another divisive controversy, Northerners should listen carefully, examine the facts and ask ourselves what must be done differently.

Musa spoke the truth as he understood it. Our responsibility is not to turn that truth into another war, but to use the conversation to heal our divisions and build a better North.

Murtala Bello wrote in from Sokoto

Musa Spoke the Truth, But Northerners Are Turning His Words Into Another War

Yobe: Governor Buni urges media professional on reporting truth

By: Yahaya Wakili

Yobe state governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, COMN has tasks media to use there profession to communicate truthfully, explain policies clearly, listen to citizens and strengthen public confidence.

Governor Buni made this known today while declaring open a one day Yobe Media Summit, “Harnessing Digital Tools For Community Impact and Engagement,” at NEDC Events Center, GGC Damaturu.

Ably represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Mohammed Goje, FRSH . He said digital technology has transformed how citizens receives information, express their views, engage government and participate in public affairs.

“Your role goes beyond photographs, press statementse and social media posts, occupy an important space between government and the people.” Governor Buni said.

“This summit addresses practical contemporary issues, including the effective use of digital tools for community engagement, women and youth participation in media, fake news and disinformation, algorithm literacy, responsible content creation and the measurement of social media impact.

According to Governor Buni, over the last seven years, our administration has remained guided by the philosophy of continuity and consolidation, building on established foundations while expanding development across our 17 local government areas.

“I also encourage our media assistants to develop deeper knowledge of particular sectors rather than every body attempting to communicate everything, and our people live in wards, villages and communities, and many communicate most effectively in languages they understand and through institutions they trust.

Earlier, the Commissioner of Home Affairs, Culture and Information, Hon. Abdullahi Bego said the media landscape was evolving rapidly due to advances in communication technologies and the expansion of social media platforms.

Bego further maintained that government had recently organised a workshop in Kano for media aides to the governor and other political appointees, where participants were trained on the effective use of social media.

Yobe: Governor Buni urges media professional on reporting truth

Yobe: APC gubernatorial candidate speaks on traditional institution’s role in promoting peace

By: Yahaya Wakili

Yobe State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate Alhaji Baba Malam Wali Mni FCAN has revealed the vital role played by traditional institutions in maintaining peace, promoting dialogue and mobilising citizens for development should not be ignored in governance.

Alhaji Baba Malam Wali made the announcement yesterday at Ngelzarma Palace while speaking to the press after completing his tour at Ngelzarma Palace.

He said the visits provided us with an opportunity to engage directly with the traditional institutions and listen to their concerns, expectations and advice.

Wali maintained that the traditional rulers have demonstrated a clear understanding of the importance of unity, stability and continuity in the development of the Yobe state.

According to BMW, traditional rulers’ support has strengthened our confidence that the people remain united behind the progress recorded by the administration and are committed to sustaining the peace and development of the state.

“Their cooperation has been invaluable, particularly in addressing security challenges and encouraging citizens to support government programmes.”

Wali urged the people to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR in his re-election in the 2027 general election, adding that the President has performed well.

“His administration has demonstrated a strong commitment to national development, economic recovery, infrastructure, security and the welfare of Nigeria,” Wali said.

The governorship candidate urged the people to stay peaceful, law-abiding, and united as the 2027 general election approaches and united as the 2027 general election is around the corner.

Yobe: APC gubernatorial candidate speaks on traditional institution’s role in promoting peace