…Hail Senate, Uba Sani’s Role

By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

KADUNA — The Southern Kaduna Journalists’ Forum (SKJF) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing retired General Christopher Gwabin Musa, immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, as Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, describing the move as timely, merit-driven, and inclusive.

At a press conference on Tuesday, December 10, 2025, the Forum said the appointment recognized General Musa’s “illustrious military career, exceptional leadership qualities, and unwavering commitment to national unity and security.”

The journalists’ group noted that Musa’s tenure as Chief of Defence Staff was marked by strategic brilliance, professionalism, and patriotism, earning him respect both nationally and internationally.

The Forum also praised the Senate for what it described as a “swift, thorough, and professional screening process” that led to the confirmation of the former service chief. According to the SKJF, the bipartisan support Musa received demonstrates Nigerians’ confidence in his integrity, competence, and ability to lead the defence sector amid the country’s security challenges.

SKJF further acknowledged the role of Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, in advocating for Southern Kaduna’s interests, particularly in supporting General Musa’s nomination. The group cited achievements under Governor Sani, including the establishment of the University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, the Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan, and the completion of previously abandoned projects across Southern Kaduna.

The Forum contrasted Governor Sani’s inclusive leadership with what it described as the exclusion of Southern Kaduna from key federal positions during the previous administration, noting that the region was denied a ministerial slot despite earlier precedents of fair representation.

Recalling its September 2023 appeal to President Tinubu to allocate the Kaduna ministerial position to Southern Kaduna after the Senate rejected former Governor Nasir el-Rufai’s nomination, the SKJF expressed gratitude for the President’s responsiveness and commitment to equity.

Describing the appointment as a moment of pride for Southern Kaduna, Kaduna State, and Nigeria, the Forum expressed confidence that the new Defence Minister would tackle national security challenges with “competence, capacity, capability, courage, and character.”

“As journalists and custodians of public opinion, we reaffirm our commitment to credible journalism, nation-building, and support for policies that promote unity, fairness, and shared prosperity,” the statement concluded.

The press conference was jointly signed by SKJF Chairman Ango Bally and Secretary Lilian Silas.