Northern youth coalition, under the umbrella of Northern Nigeria United Youth for Peace and Progress (NNUYPP) has expressed support for the Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa over the effort in fighting the security challenges in Nigeria, as they criticized those fanning the embers of disunity and insecurity in the country .

The group addressed a press conference in Kaduna, where they praised the Military in it’s recent efforts in fighting banditry and terrorism in the North and some other parts of the country, saying that “over the past few months, Nigeria has witnessed a troubling resurgence of attacks across different regions.”

According to NNUYPP Convener, Edward John Auta and Co- Convener, Malam Idris Mohammed, while addressing Journalists, “these attacks are not only carried out by terrorists and bandits who continue to kill, kidnap, and displace innocent Nigerians; they are also being fueled by individuals and groups who seek to exploit insecurity for political or selfish interests.”

Besides, Auta said, “since the advent of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu on May 29, 2023, significant improvements have been recorded in the security sector”, saying that “these gains unsettled both criminal elements and desperate power seekers.”

Auta remarked, “whether confronting violent extremists and kidnappers in the North, or addressing the militant wings of secessionist agitators and Niger Delta militants in the South, Nigeria was clearly making steady progress under the command and leadership of Christopher Gwabin Musa, the former Chief of Defence Staff and current Minister of Defence.”

According to him, “General Musa distinguished himself with a no-nonsense approach to security. His leadership was marked by constant motivation of troops, a firm policy of no negotiation with bandits, improved inter-agency collaboration, and the adoption of effective non-kinetic strategies centered on partnerships with communities across the nation. These initiatives made his tenure one of the most impactful in the history of Nigeria’s service chiefs.”

Noting that “his period in office witnessed remarkable reforms and measurable successes across nearly every part of the country”, Auta stressed, “this explains why his removal as Chief of Defence Staff was met with widespread concern and condemnation from many Nigerians, particularly after the near-immediate resurgence of attacks that followed.”

Said he, “his subsequent return to national service as Honourable Minister of Defence was therefore welcomed by many who value experience, discipline, and results in the fight against insecurity”.

Besides, the group frowned at “recent personal attacks and calls for his resignation – coming from individuals who either sympathize with terrorists and bandits or from desperate political actors masquerading as opposition voices or patriotic activists are raising serious concerns.”

Auta continued : “one cannot help but wonder whether such individuals are comfortable with the continued killing of innocent Nigerians or are deliberately weaponizing insecurity as a pathway to political power, using General Musa as a scapegoat”.

He noted that “of particular concern are the statements made by some northern elements led by one Ambassador Abdul Dan Bature, as well as the reckless and remarks by Omoyele Sowore directed at the person and character of the Honourable Minister.”

Auta pointed out that “while the comments by Abdul Dan Bature and his associates can easily be dismissed as ethnically and religiously motivated attacks by individuals who neither represent northern youths nor possess the patriotic standing to speak for them, the case of Mr. Sowore is different”.

” His consistent reliance on cyber-bullying through insults, blackmail, name-calling, character assassination, and inflammatory rhetoric against the President, members of his cabinet, and other national figures suggests a deliberate strategy aimed at attracting attention and possibly positioning himself for political relevance ahead of the 2027 elections”, he added.

“Unfortunately, such tantrums portray by Sowore as lacking the maturity, seriousness, and emotional intelligence required to lead or manage a diverse and complex nation like Nigeria. We therefore advise Mr. Sowore to reflect deeply and remould himself into a public figure that millions of young Nigerians can genuinely look up to.

No nation can make meaningful progress if its youths are encouraged to ridicule and insult national leaders rather than engage them constructively and responsibly”, Auta stressed.

He further argued, “statements such as Musa is the most foolish person to be made a minister do not reflect the values of respect, responsibility, unity, and patriotism that Nigerians are known for – values that are necessary if Nigerian youths truly aspire to lead this country and bring about the change they desire.”

“We therefore demand a retraction and a public apology to the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, whose life and career have been defined by patriotic service to God and country.

At the same time, we call on Nigerian youths to reject the example set by individuals who derive satisfaction from embarrassing both our nation and its young people before the international community”, the Northern group said.

Auta further remarked, “we also urge all reasonable Nigerians not to take the claims of Abdul Dan Bature and his associates seriously. Contrary to their assertions, northern youths recognize and appreciate the progress being made in the security sector.

We stand firmly behind this patriotic son of Nigeria. General Musa, and we also support the continued leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he works to consolidate these gains.”

“We remain confident that the ongoing reforms in the Ministry of Defence under the supervision of General Christopher Musa will further reposition Nigeria’s security architecture, strengthen operational capabilities, deepen collaboration among security agencies, and ultimately deliver a safer and more secure nation for all Nigerians”, the Group said.

“In the meantime, we appeal to all citizens to remain optimistic and actively contribute to the defeat of insecurity by staying vigilant, cooperating with security agencies, and providing the intelligence and community support necessary to secure lasting victory.

Let us work together to build rather than destroy, unite rather than divide, gather rather than scatter, and collaborate rather than insult those who are working tirelessly with Mr. President to make Nigeria a safer and more prosperous nation”, Auta added.