FOCUS ON UNITY NOT DIVISION: ASHLEE MOMOH FOUNDATION DEFENDS DEFENCE MINISTER GEN. C.G. MUSA
By Philip Ikodor
The Ashlee Momoh Foundation has expressed deep concern over the recent wave of backlash and heated reactions trailing the statement attributed to the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR (Rtd), during an interview on Channels Television, where he was alleged to have made comments concerning a former Governor.
The Foundation notes with dismay that the comments, which have been interpreted differently by some sections of Nigerians, particularly from Northern Nigeria, have been allowed to heat up the polity and are seemingly aimed at demeaning a personality who was unanimously celebrated across ethnic and regional divides when his appointment as Minister of Defence was announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Reacting to the development, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ashlee Momoh Foundation, Princess Ashlee Omonegho Momoh, has called for calm, restraint, and a renewed commitment to national unity. In her remarks, Princess Momoh stated: “At this critical time in our national life, what Nigeria needs most is unity, not division. Nigerians should focus more on uniting one another, because it is only in unity that we will unveil the true beauty of our diversity, thereby sustaining our national development.
We must trade with caution and not allow politically motivated narratives to distract us from the bigger picture of securing our nation.” “We should not be quick to heat the polity over statements that can be clarified through dialogue. Let us give room for constructive engagement rather than fanning the embers of discord.”
The Foundation further commended the Honourable Minister of Defence for his resilience, professionalism, and hard work since assuming office. Princess Momoh highlighted that under the leadership of Gen. C. G. Musa (Rtd), the Ministry of Defence has recorded significant and verifiable achievements in the fight against insurgency, banditry, and other forms of criminality, leading to improved security in many previously volatile areas.
She also lauded the Minister’s impactful presence as part of the Nigerian delegation to the just concluded United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), describing his contributions to the national security framework and Nigeria’s international security partnerships as “very key and tremendous.” “General Musa has brought his wealth of operational experience as former Chief of Defence Staff to bear on his current assignment. His dedication is evident and should be encouraged. The gains we are recording in securing Nigeria should not be overshadowed by controversies,” she added.
The Ashlee Momoh Foundation therefore calls on all well-meaning Nigerians, political stakeholders, and the media to de-escalate tensions, seek clarification where necessary through appropriate channels, and continue to support the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence in their onerous task of keeping Nigeria safe.
The Foundation reaffirms its commitment to peacebuilding, national unity, and supporting initiatives that promote a secure and prosperous Nigeria.
