Former minister of sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung, has congratulated General Christopher Musa (rtd) on his appointment as Minister of Defence but warned that he does not envy the position.
Dalung, in a statement, said Musa’s patriotic instincts and understanding of Nigeria’s security challenges were evident during his screening at the National Assembly.
“You understand the terrain better than most, and by the same token, you understand the truth,” Dalung said.
He questioned the support Musa received as former Chief of Defence Staff, asking what had changed and what the new minister would do differently.
“The uncomfortable truth is this, the enemies of Nigeria are not in distant forests; they sit in the very chambers you addressed.
“They pad security budgets, collect bribes, inflate contract figures, divert relief materials, and weaponise poverty for political gain,” Dalung said.
He expressed concern that Musa could be isolated by entrenched interests around President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“As Minister, how will you withstand the entrenched cabal around President Tinubu, men who insist on having their way in every matter?” he asked.
Dalung urged the President to overhaul the country’s security architecture and remove incompetent elements.
“If he continues to play politics with insecurity to secure 2027, massaging terrorism while deceiving the public with cosmetic reshuffles, then there is no miracle General Musa can perform,” he said.
He concluded by expressing personal support and prayers for Musa’s success.
“Since you have staked the fixed deposit of your reputation on this appointment, I can only join the band of prayer warriors on your behalf,” Dalung said.
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.