The Coalition of Northern Elders for Peace and Development has defended the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), amid criticism over his recent comments concerning the administration of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
The coalition said El-Rufai’s eight-year administration should be subjected to public scrutiny and that Musa should not be attacked simply for raising questions about the former governor’s record.
The elders made their position known in a statement jointly signed by Engr. Zana Goni, representing the North-East; Dr Mohammed Suleman, representing the North-West; and Prof. John Anaho, representing the North-Central.
According to the coalition, Musa’s comments had opened an important conversation about governance, accountability and the legacy of the former Kaduna administration.
The group argued that former public office holders should remain open to assessment after leaving office, insisting that political influence or regional identity should not shield anyone from legitimate criticism.
“General Christopher Musa did not invent the history of Kaduna State. He spoke about a reality that Nigerians must have the courage to confront,” the elders said.
The coalition described Musa’s assessment as a reflection of what it called the “true picture” of the El-Rufai administration, arguing that the former governor’s record should be judged by its impact on ordinary citizens, communities and public institutions.
The elders alleged that the administration left behind a legacy of division, controversial policies and maladministration. They maintained, however, that the assessment of any government should be based on facts and evidence rather than political loyalty.
The group said governance should not be evaluated solely on the basis of roads, buildings, infrastructure or official statistics, but also by its impact on social cohesion, citizens’ welfare and the strength of public institutions.
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