KADUNA GROUP BACKS DEFENCE MINISTER

A Kaduna-based Muslim-Christian group has backed Defence Minister Christopher Musa over his recent comments about the administration of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

The Kaduna State Muslim-Christian Network for Good Governance described Musa’s remarks as an honest assessment of the former governor’s tenure between 2015 and 2023. The group also criticised attempts to condemn the minister over his comments.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Tahir Tanko, secretary Steven Kefas and other officials, the group alleged that El-Rufai’s administration was marked by policies that deepened divisions in the state.

It cited the dismissal of workers, disputes involving traditional institutions, demolitions of homes and markets, insecurity and the treatment of some religious and community leaders who opposed government policies.

The group also accused the former governor of using ethnic and religious issues for political purposes, saying residents across Kaduna experienced the consequences of such policies.

The network said Musa’s comments during a recent Channels Television interview reflected the experiences of many residents and urged critics of the minister to respond with facts rather than ethnic or religious arguments.

It reaffirmed its support for Musa and called on residents to support efforts by the current Kaduna State Government to promote unity, fairness and inclusiveness.