Ex-CDS Musa Led From Front With Empathy — Gov Mutfwang

Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, has stated that former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, led the nation’s security agencies from the front.

Mutfwang also stated that the former defence chief served the military and nation with empathy.

The governor stated this at a grand reception organised by Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) Regular Course 38 in honour of General Musa (Rtd) and his wife.

He described Musa as a thoroughbred, a professional soldier, and a man of great passion and love for his country.

“As Chief of Defense Staff, I found in him a thoroughbred professional soldier, a leader of men, a manager of resources, a man of great empathy, not only for his officers and men, but for the people whose lives they have sworn to protect.

“He was always leading from the front, and he related very well with the civilian population. Always a loyal officer to his Commander-in-Chief. I’m sure that people who worked with him would have found him a man of great integrity, great intelligence, a military strategist to the core, and I’m sure that his tenure as Chief of Defense Staff added great value to the security architecture in Nigeria,” Mutfwang said..

He further described the former Chief of Defence Staff as “a man of great service, and a man of great value for his soldiers and men.”

Governor Mutfwang added that General Musa motivated his men during his tenure, making sure that resources were adequately deployed and properly utilised, while holding people accountable for their decisions, their services and for their outputs.

“And so he brought about the values of integrity, honesty and commitment which we saw in the discharge of his duties,” he added.

In his remarks, General Musa thanked members of course 38 for the honour, recalling their days in NDA, saying those early experiences shaped them into who they became as “officers of honour, resilience, and purpose”.

“As I look back on my journey — from my first posting, through several commands, and up to my appointment as Chief of Defence Staff — I realise how much of our story is interconnected. Nothing in our service was achieved alone. Every success, every progress, was built on teamwork, trust, and the unbreakable bond we share as course mates and brothers-in-arms.

“I remember meeting some of you at different points in my career — in the field, at headquarters, and during operations. Each encounter reminded me that the Nigerian military is a family. We may be posted to different places, but our mission remains the same — to defend the nation and protect its people,” Musa said.

He said his time as CDS was faced with challenging moments “operationally, emotionally, and spiritually. We confronted terrorism, insurgency, and insecurity. There were days of victory and days of loss. Through it all, I learned that leadership is not about command alone; it is about compassion, understanding, and faith in the people you lead,” he said.

“When I look back at the men and women who served under me, I feel nothing but pride. Their courage, dedication, and sacrifice kept our flag flying high. Many paid the ultimate price. To them, I say — may their souls rest in peace. And to those still serving, may God continue to guide and protect you,” he prayed.

He stressed “there were times when I questioned whether I was ready for the responsibilities that came my way. But each time, I was reminded that God’s plans are always perfect. Sometimes, what looks uncertain becomes a blessing in disguise. Every posting, every mission, every challenge — it all prepared me for what was to come,” he said.

He described the military life as demanding that is almost impossible to scale through successfully without family.

Musa said officers owe the duty to continue contributing towards peace, unity and progress of the nation even at retirement.

“I believe that as officers, our duty does not end with retirement. Our nation still needs our wisdom, our experience, and our voice. Nigeria is at a stage where we must all continue to contribute, each in our own way, toward peace, unity, and national progress. That is the least we owe this country that gave us so much,” he said.

He charged all to keep supporting one another, continue to uphold the values that shaped them such as discipline, loyalty and service.

“Let us mentor the younger officers and continue to defend the honour of the Nigerian military wherever we find ourselves,” he added.