Opinion Written By Ahmed ILALLAH in Hausa
Translate to English by THRUST FINDER
By all indications, the interview granted by the Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, to Channels Television has stirred a fresh controversy in the politics of Kaduna State and Northern Nigeria as a whole.
Indeed, the lack of understanding and mutual coexistence among people in the North along religious and ethnic lines, particularly in states such as Kaduna, Plateau and Taraba, has contributed to numerous conflicts.
This misunderstanding has resulted in instability and countless loss of lives.
Christopher Musa’s remarks appear to have brought to the fore something he harbours against former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, whom he linked to the killing of his fellow people in Southern Kaduna and accused of contributing to the division among the people of the state.
These remarks may not only revive ethnic politics in Northern Nigeria, where there appears to have been some reduction in ethnic tensions this time around, but could also reignite the politics of religion and ethnicity in Kaduna State and the North generally.
Although one could argue that the remarks were politically motivated, perhaps intended to discredit Nasir El-Rufai, who is currently regarded as a political rival of the APC, the comments nevertheless raise questions about the minister’s political experience and his ability to weigh the implications of his statements in the national interest, especially given his background as a military officer.
Rather than improving the acceptance and popularity of the APC and President Bola Tinubu, the remarks could end up creating setbacks for the Tinubu campaign at this critical time.
Perhaps he should be given some benefit of the doubt, considering that he moved directly from the military establishment into politics—a transition that has even made adjusting to civilian dressing somewhat challenging for him.
Therefore, it may take him some time to fully understand the complexities of politics and the social dynamics of the people.
