Forum Condemns Alleged Smear Campaign Against Defence Minister

The Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF) has condemned what it described as a coordinated smear campaign against the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd).

The forum was reacting to reports circulating on social media alleging that the Defence Minister had resigned from the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Elder Sunday Oibe, NOSCEF described the reports as false, malicious and politically motivated, warning that attempts to discredit the minister could weaken collective efforts to address the country’s security challenges.

“We consider these calculated attempts to malign a man who has devoted virtually his entire adult life to the service of Nigeria as not only unfortunate but also detrimental to the collective efforts to overcome the security challenges confronting our nation”.

The forum praised Musa’s  military career, saying he demonstrated competence, discipline and exemplary leadership before his appointment as Minister of Defence.

According to NOSCEF, Musa played a pivotal role as Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, leading decisive operations against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, which significantly degraded their operational capabilities and restored hope to communities across the North-East.

The forum also commended his tenure as Chief of Defence Staff, noting that he championed intelligence-driven military operations, strengthened collaboration among security agencies, improved troop welfare and enhanced regional security cooperation.

It said the initiatives contributed to renewed momentum in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other forms of criminality across the country.

“It is therefore regrettable that at a time when the nation requires unity of purpose, some individuals have chosen to politicise security matters and launch unwarranted attacks against a public servant whose only offence appears to be his unwavering commitment to national service”.

NOSCEF cautioned against politicising security issues, insisting that national security should never become a casualty of partisan interests or personal vendettas.

The forum called on political leaders, civil society organisations, the media and Nigerians to support the federal government’s efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture, stressing that constructive criticism should not be confused with deliberate campaigns of misinformation and character assassination.