El-Rufai Vs Christopher Musa: Uba Sani’s Aide Fires Back, Warns Against Insults

The Senior Special Adviser to Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani on Public Affairs, Victor Mathew Bobai, has defended the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.), following his comments concerning the administration of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

According to reports, Musa recently criticised some policies implemented during El-Rufai’s tenure as governor while speaking during a television interview, prompting reactions from political commentators and supporters of the former governor.

Reacting to the controversy, Bobai argued that it was unfair to portray Musa’s remarks as a personal attack or politically motivated criticism of El-Rufai.

The governor’s aide urged those who disagreed with the Defence Minister to focus on the substance of the issues he raised and respond with facts and verifiable evidence rather than resorting to personal attacks.

Bobai stressed that there was a distinction between an official directive and an individual’s contribution to a public discussion. According to him, Musa did not issue any military order, introduce a defence policy or direct the Armed Forces to support a political party.

Rather, he said, the minister participated in a public conversation and offered his assessment of the political situation.

While acknowledging the responsibilities associated with Musa’s position as Minister of Defence, Bobai maintained that public officials could still express their views on issues of national importance.

He challenged critics of the minister to scrutinise his claims and provide evidence to counter them where necessary instead of attacking him personally.

“Challenge General Musa’s facts if you disagree with them. Produce evidence. Correct him where necessary. But don’t replace argument with insults,” Bobai said.

The governor’s aide also pointed to Musa’s extensive military career, noting that he occupied several command positions before eventually becoming Chief of Defence Staff and later Minister of Defence.

Bobai argued that Musa’s professional career was rooted in service to Nigeria long before political considerations became relevant to his current position.

On the controversy surrounding El-Rufai’s administration, the governor’s aide called on journalists and commentators to review the former governor’s speeches, interviews and public statements alongside Musa’s recent remarks.

He maintained that several of the issues referenced by the Defence Minister had been subjects of public debate in Kaduna over the years, urging the media to rely on complete recordings and verifiable information when reporting on the controversy.