By James Sunday FCAI MNIIA
Every patriotic and well-meaning Nigerian celebrates your nomination and appointment by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Nigerians also appreciate the Senate, under the leadership of Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio, for diligently, sincerely, and thoroughly screening you for five (5) hours, now adjudged one of the longest screening sessions for any government appointee in decades. It was a process devoid of undue protocols or the usual tradition of “take a bow.” Instead, it reflected the genuine expectations of Nigerians and the global community. We got it right. Even our detractors now understand: Nigeria means business.
Gen. Musa, your track record is unmatched among your contemporaries. Your rise is the result of years of absolute loyalty to national duty, your calling as a core, regular officer, and your discreet, disciplined, and unassuming character as a distinguished General. These attributes earned you command appointments and culminated in your elevation to the coveted office of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), a dream for every officer. Now, by divine providence, you have been appointed Minister of Defence of the most populous Black nation, “Big Brother Africa”, a country that has liberated others from devastating wars, from Burma to Congo, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, South Africa, Chad, Sudan, UN Missions, AU Missions, ECOMOG, and more.
You participated in several of these missions as a combat officer. You have become everything a promising military officer aspires to be. But now, the time has come for the practical demonstration of your wealth of experience, less talk, more action, in your new role overseeing the Ministry of Defence, with all the Service Chiefs under your direct supervision.
As a tested, battle-proven General, you have seen much, fought much, endured much, and succeeded in multiple military engagements with both conventional and unconventional enemies. The world now watches Nigeria’s next phase in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnappings, abductions, farmer-herder clashes, and unknown gunmen. These, and more, are the challenges you are now positioned to confront, decisively.
Let me borrow the words of Senator Aliyu Wadada during your screening: “Your eyes must be focused.” He referenced your experience as a polo player. As a veteran of the game, I clearly understand what he meant: you must be a goal-getter, no missing targets. You must possess the speed of the stallion, the focus of the rider, and an unwavering eye on the ball until it hits the goalpost.
Senator Ali Ndume, in his characteristic humour and sincerity, gave a succinct description of a General: “Generals don’t complain.” Even as Minister of Defence, you cannot lose touch with your earned Generalship, because a General is always a General.
As an observer and veteran, I offer these eleven (11) frank suggestions for your tenure as Minister of Defence:
- Walk your talk.
- Remain focused on the Ministry’s mandate and improve existing structures.
- Remain the General you are; practice diplomatic soldiering in resolving issues with neighbouring countries.
- Time is not a luxury, the ongoing wars must be fought to a decisive end.
- Prioritise the needs of tactical and strategic officers; support field officers; and reduce unnecessary military involvement in civil protests and crises that the Police and others should handle.
- Ensure synergy and esprit de corps among the Military, Police, Intelligence, and Para-Military communities through an aligned security policy.
- Sustain the ‘One Government’ policy to eliminate inter-agency rivalry, intelligence hoarding, and the unhealthy desire to outshine sister agencies.
- Re-tool all arms of the Military, Police, Intelligence, and Para-Military forces for improved performance and results.
- Strengthen collaboration with foreign partners, donors, and support systems to upgrade operations and promote global best practices.
- Avoid every form of politicking in matters relating to the protection of lives and property.
- Integrate Border Security and Migration Management properly into the National Security Architecture to curb illegal border incursions, infiltration, irregular crossings, and strengthen real-time border management. A safe border ensures a safe nation.
These eleven (11) recommendations will add value to your tenure during this critical moment in our national journey.
God be with you. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.