NORTHERNERS’ CONCERNS GROW/ UNDERSTANDING THE SACKING OF SERVICE CHIEFS: A RESPONSE TO CONCERNS OF NEPOTISM AND SELECTIVE ACTION & WILL RIBADU’S NSA POSITION BE NEXT?

By Comrade Musa Mohammed Moonlight

The recent sacking of Nigeria’s service chiefs by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sparked intense debate, with some accusing the administration of nepotism and selective action. As a Northerner, it’s natural to seek clarity on the motivations behind these decisions.

According to the Presidency, the decision to sack the service chiefs was aimed at injecting fresh energy and direction into the Nigerian Armed Forces, not linked to any alleged coup plot. The President exercised his constitutional powers as Commander-in-Chief, citing the need for strategic renewal amidst complex security challenges.

Addressing Concerns of Nepotism.

The new appointments include General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, Major-General W. Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff. Notably, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye retained his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

These changes reflect Tinubu’s commitment to enhancing operational effectiveness and addressing security issues across the country, including terrorism, banditry, separatist agitations, and kidnapping.

Why Not Others?.

The President’s decision to focus on the service chiefs might be attributed to their critical roles in national security and the need for cohesive leadership. The retention of Major-General Undiendeye suggests a desire for institutional stability within the security apparatus.

The sacking the service chiefs has sparked intense debate, with many wondering what’s next. The move, aimed at enhancing security, has left Northerners questioning whether National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu will be spared.

Critics argue the decision is long overdue, citing worsening insecurity in the North. The Northern Ethnic National Forum (NENF) and Northern Elders Forum have urged Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on security and overhaul his cabinet ² ³.

Key Concerns:

• Insecurity persists in Northern Nigeria, with daily banditry, terrorism, and kidnappings
• Service chiefs’ replacements aim to inject fresh energy into the Armed Forces
• NSA Ribadu’s position hangs in the balance, amid calls for cabinet overhaul

Presidency’s Stance:

The Presidency insists the sacking isn’t linked to coup rumors, but rather a strategic decision to address complex security challenges ⁴.

A Call for Transparency and Accountability.

As Nigerians, it’s essential to demand transparency and accountability from our leaders. The Presidency should provide clear explanations for significant decisions, addressing concerns and fostering trust.

In this case, the administration has emphasized its commitment to national security and development, redirecting resources from security to vital sectors like infrastructure, power, education, and healthcare.

As Northerners await Tinubu’s next move, questions linger: Will Ribadu survive? Can these changes bring lasting security? The answers remain uncertain, but one thing’s clear – Nigerians demand action.

What do you think about the President’s approach to national security and leadership changes? Should there be more transparency in such decisions?
And What do you think about President Tinubu’s decision, and what’s your take on the potential implications for NSA Ribadu?

Comrade Musa Mohammed (Moonlight)
Kaduna Based Journalist, Activist and public Analyst
musamohdeen@gmail.com
moonlightnews15@gmail.com
08038895334

From Sokoto to the Summit of Service: The Inspiring Journey of General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, Chief of Defence Staff Nigeria

On a cold and crisp December morning, on Christmas Day, some decades ago in the old North-Western State, present day Sokoto State, a certain family named Musa rejoiced at the birth of a bouncing baby boy who would later become instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s security narrative, becoming one of the greatest men, not just in the Nigerian Armed Forces, but in Nigeria at large. He was named Christopher.

General Christopher Gwabin Musa began life in humble surroundings, yet with a destiny that would take him to the highest echelons of the Armed Forces.

In the late 80s during his days in the Nigerian Defence Academy, I could only imagine a young cadet full of idealism and determination, rising at dawn for drills and excelling in his academic pursuits. He realized early on that true service comes with sacrifice, but it also earns deep respect and pride.

Over the years, General CG Musa steadily built his impeccable career step by step, moving from the battlefield to the command room. He started out as a young officer on the front lines, leading men with courage and discipline. I could imagine his early days being filled with long marches, sleepless nights, and tough decisions, the kind that test both strength and character.

As time went on, his leadership skills began to shine. He held the position of Commanding Officer 73 Battalion where his calm confidence and sense of duty earned him the respect of his soldiers. Later, he was appointed as the Assistant Director Operational Requirements at the Department of Army Policy and Plans, and as Infantry Representative/Member Training Team at Headquarters Nigerian Army Armour Corps. What made his rise so remarkable was not luck or shortcuts, it was his steady commitment to excellence. Whether on the dusty fields of duty or behind the polished tables of command meetings, General Musa proved that true leadership is about consistency, discipline, and vision.

During his time as the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, and later as the Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps, it became clear that Nigeria had found in General Christopher Musa a rare blend of courage, discipline, and strategic brilliance. On the battlefield, he led with a fearless spirit, directing operations that struck deep at the heart of insurgents and terrorist strongholds. His presence alone inspired confidence among troops who saw in him not just a commander, but a leader who inspired them to victory.

Under his command, countless communities once plagued by fear began to breathe again as the tide gradually turned in favour of peace and stability. His approach was not just about force, it was about intelligence, precision, and a deep understanding of the human side of conflict. Many say his success during this period stood out as one of the brightest chapters in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.

Some of his notable contributions to peacekeeping that particularly make me see him as one of the greatest Soldier Nigeria ever had include his unmatched leadership both at home and beyond our borders. Under General Christopher Musa’s watch, Nigeria’s peacekeeping efforts have remained strong and purposeful. He ensured that our nation continued to play an active role in maintaining regional stability, sending well-trained Nigerian troops to support missions in countries like Sudan, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau etc.

Beyond the battlefield, General Musa has been a strong advocate for modernizing the Nigerian military. Under his watch, there have been deliberate efforts to introduce advanced technology, improve equipment, and strengthen the readiness of troops to face new and evolving threats. He recognizes that the wars of today are not fought with courage alone, but also with innovation, intelligence, and precision.

Equally remarkable is his belief in Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC). He has shown that true security is not only about the strength of arms but also about the trust of the people. Through community outreach, rebuilding efforts, and humanitarian gestures, he has helped mend the relationship between the military and civilians in conflict affected regions. In his leadership, soldiers are not just defenders of territory, they are partners in rebuilding peace.

Over the years, his exemplary service has not gone unnoticed. General Musa has received numerous honours and awards, including the Colin Powell Meritorious Award for Soldiering and the Nelson Mandela Exemplary Leadership Award. These recognitions are not just medals on his chest, but symbols of his dedication to peace, integrity, and humanity.

Through these remarkable contributions, I have come to see General Christopher Musa as far more than just a soldier. He is a strategist, a reformer, and a true peacebuilder, a man who does not simply react to threats, but anticipates them. A man who does not settle for momentary calm, but works tirelessly to build enduring peace and stability for our dear nation, Nigeria. His leadership has not only strengthened our internal security but also earned the country genuine respect and admiration within the comity of nations.

As I reflect on the remarkable journey of General Christopher Gwabin Musa, from that Christmas morning in Sokoto to the pinnacle of Nigeria’s military command, I see the portrait of a man whose life defines duty, discipline, and devotion to his country. His story is not just one of military success, but of great patriotism and uncommon humility. In every stage of his service, he has proven that greatness is not found in power alone, but in the courage to serve with diligence, integrity and the compassion to lead with purpose.

Nigeria is indeed blessed to have a Soldier of his calibre, a man who continues to stand as a guardian of our peace, a protector of our unity, and a symbol of hope for generations to come.

By Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu, President, Nineteen Seventeen Northern Consensus Movement For Peace Unity Empowerment and Development Initiative (NSNCM )

Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, DG Energy Commission of Nigeria; A Trail Blazer With A Midas Touch.

In the appointment of Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi as the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), stakeholders roundly commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the choice of this astute and result oriented energy expert and policy strategist, a visionary administrator.

The saying that a golden fish has no hiding place aptly qualifies Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi’s appointment by His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR , who was able to spot the energy poster boy, and placed him strategically where competence meets passion.

Indeed, the appointment of Dr. Abdullahi as the Director General of Energy Commission qualifies the saying of putting a round peg in a round hole.

Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi who combines academic distinction with hands-on experience in energy systems, regulation, and innovation, has variously been described by stakeholders as a key figure in shaping Nigeria’s energy future, scoring a vital point in the Renewed Hope Initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which clearly aims to resuscitate and reinvigorate the country’s energy sector.

As an avid scholar who holds a master’s and a doctorate in Engineering from the prestigious University of Manchester who has also served as a Research Associate and Teaching Assistant in the School of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Civil Engineering in same institution, Dr. Abdullahi’s penchant for excellence is distinctive and highly commendable.

As a Chartered Engineer (CEng) and a member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (MIMechE), Dr. Abdullahi has distinguished himself in ways so uncommon and achievements quite alluring.
His commitment to professional excellence and technical innovation underscores his capacity and capabilities in delivering on the mandate of the Energy Sector and the Commission generally.

As a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Manchester, United kingdom, from 2021 to 2023, Dr. Abdullahi conducted an impactful research entitled “Assessment of the Structural Integrity,” contributing valuable insights to the field. His work was recognized and supported by the Industry Collaboration Fund, United kingdom, highlighting his commitment to advancing knowledge through industry-academia collaboration.

Dr. Abdullahi has over 14 years of experience in Nigeria’s energy sector, particularly within the oil and gas industry and is known to have spent a significant part of his career at the Department of Petroleum Resources (now the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission -NUPRC), contributing to regulatory policy, energy systems management, and sustainability initiatives.

His technical competence is further complemented by his role at the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), where he engaged in research and development at the intersection of space and energy technology.

Before being appointed as Director-General of ECN, Dr. Abdullahi served as the Senior Technical Adviser to the former Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji. In that capacity, he was instrumental in shaping national policies that promoted innovation, renewable energy adoption, and scientific advancement.

His advisory role provided strategic direction for programmes aimed at building Nigeria’s technological capacity in line with global sustainability trends.

He is widely reputed to be a multi-disciplinary leader, with a systems-thinking approach to Nigeria’s energy challenges, integrating insights from engineering, space research, and policy.

Since assuming office as Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria ECN in 2023, keen observers say his leadership at the Commission is anchored in collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and a strong commitment to energy transition and security.

Dr. Abdullahi is focused on delivering sustainable, inclusive, and technology-driven energy solutions that support national development goals and align with international climate commitments.

Asides from his professional and academic accomplishments, he is also active in the politics of his country, Nigeria. He is a founding member and co-convener of The Asiwaju Group (TAG), one of the leading support groups for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also having served as Deputy Chairman of the All Progressives Congress United Kingdom (APC UK) chapter, he is also an Executive Member of the APC UK since February 2014.

As a committed and loyal party chieftain, Abdullahi’s political engagements include membership in the APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) 2023, the APC PCC Nigeria Strategic Communication Committee (2019), and the APC National Convention Sub-Committee (2022).

He is widely respected for his integrity, strategic vision, and passion for sustainable development. His dynamic experience across sectors positions him as a transformative leader at the helm of Nigeria’s energy transition journey.

A peek into his two years stint as the Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria ECN reveals amazing achievements such as:

• Implementation of the Renewed Hope Solarization Project for the provision of 2 MW of a solar hybrid system in 37 universities and 37 tertiary hospitals across the 36 states and Abuja.
  (2025)
  Signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China Energy Engineering Corporation to boost renewable energy and address Nigeria’s energy challenges by establishing State Energy Planning Implementation Units in all the 36 states in Nigeria.

(2025)
Signed an agreement with LONGI a China solar module manufacturer to establish a manufacturing plant of their new solar panel technology in Nigeria.

(2025)
Launched the Compendium on Industrial Energy Efficiency Policies with the collaboration of UNIDO and GEF.

(2025)
Commissioned a Hybrid 5 kilowatts solar-powered Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station.

(2025)
Promotion of clean cooking and obtaining a Patent for developing a Hexagonal Type Domestic Charcoal Stove for improved thermal efficiency.

(2025)
Signed an MOU with a Chinese company to establish a Lithium battery production plant in Nigeria.

(2024)
Launched the newly gazette National Energy Policy (NEP)and National Energy Master Plan (NEMP) by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

(2024)
Establishment of a 10MW Solar PV Module Production Assembly Plant at Enugu Research Centre.

(2024)
Development of Pyrolysis Machine for Hydrogen Generation at Bauchi Research Centre.

(2024)
Establishment of a Pilot Bioethanol Plant with Fractional Distillation Unit at Benin Research Centre.

(2024)
Development of Pilot Integrated Modular Refinery at Bauchi Research Centre.

(2024)
The Energy Commission of Nigeria in collaboration with the FMIST on Implementation of the National Policy on Methanol Fuel Production from Gas.

(2024)
Launch of the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for air conditioners in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme, United for Efficiency initiative, and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria.

(2024)
Launched a Computerized National Energy Information System website in Collaboration with the ECOWAS Commission.

(2024)
Establishment of a Pilot Green Hydrogen Plant as a policy target of domestication and localization of Green Energy in the country.

(2024)
Establishment of Barefoot Renewable Energy College in Kogi State.

(2024)
The Energy Commission of Nigeria’s participation as the National Focal point at the Brazil G202024 Energy Transitions Working Group Meetings to negotiate and endorse Principles for Just and Inclusive Energy Transitions.

(2024)
Launched the implementation of the project titled ‘Abating Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Obsolete Refrigerators and Air Conditioners Equipment (AGORA) in Nigeria with the
collaboration of UNDP and UNEP.

(2024)
The Nigeria Energy and Emission Pathway Calculator 2050 (NECAL 2050)(2024) Comprehensive Energy Audit for the University of Lagos, Akoka carried out by National Centre for Energy Efficiency and Conservation.

(2024)
Designed, Constructed and Installed Two (2) 5kW Wind Turbines located at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS), Sokoto State.

(2023)
Design and development of the 24-CUP Pelton Wheel Single-Jet Small Hydropower Turbine System and the Split Cup Pelton Wheel Two-Jet Small Hydropower Turbine System by NACHRED, University of llorin)

(2023)
Design, Construction and Testing energy-efficient biomass Cookstoves by National Centre for Energy Research and Development, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

(2023)
Development of Small, Medium and Commercial scale Solar Powered Chicken Brooding systems.

These achievements of Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi have been variously described as the footprints of a man of greatness, vision and exemplary leadership, deserving of commendation.
 

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WHEN WORDS BECOME ARSON: HOW THREATS TO “GO TO ANY EXTENT” TO RECLAIM POWER IN KANO RISKS SETTING NORTHWEST ABLAZE

Politics is about ideas, not impunity. Law-breaking has no place in democracy. Words glorifying illegality sabotages democracy.

By Aminu Hussaini Sagagi

A single sentence, sharpened into a threat, can be the match that lights a tinderbox. That danger is not hypothetical in Kano. Recent public outbursts credited to Garba Kore – a well-known media influencer and a close associate of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje – in which the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is said to be willing to “go to any extent,” including breaking the law, to reclaim Kano from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), have been widely reported and have predictably set off alarm bells across the state and beyond.
His comments were not idle words. Kano has been the epicentre of bitter partisan contestation since 2023, when the NNPP wrested the governorship from the then ruling APC after a combative and polarising campaign. The by-elections, defections and seat reclaims that followed – including the recent manipulated APC victory in the Ghari/Tsanyawa State Constituency – show how high the political temperature remains. When influential voices signal that legal limits can be discarded for political gain, they undermine the fragile rules that keep that heat from boiling over.

Why incendiary rhetoric matters? Experts have repeatedly warned that inflammatory political rhetoric heightens the risk of violence, especially in places where identity and political rivalry overlap. In fragile contexts, statement to “go to any extent, including breaking the law” are perceived as licences for extralegal action – from vote-rigging and intimidation to the mobilisation of thugs or deployment of complicit security agents – and can easily spiral into chaos.

The regional risk – The fallout will not stop in Kano. The Northwest is tightly interconnected by kinship, trade, and shared media networks; what happens in Kano echoes in Jigawa, Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto, and beyond. A single violent episode could inflame old grievances and turn a political contest into a regional crisis. That is why, Garba Kore’s inflammatory words on taking over Kano State at all cost risk sparking Northwest Regional unrest.

Trust in democracy at stake – Democracy is not just about ballots; it rests on a shared belief in the rule of law. When politicians and their associates publicly boast about breaking laws to gain power, they corrode that belief. Citizens lose faith in elections and start to see force, not votes, as the path to justice. That is the death of democracy by a thousand reckless words.

A plea for anchor points – Responsible leadership demands restraint and accountability. Those who command influence, political operatives, party leaders, and media voices must retract, clarify, and apologise for inflammatory statements. If a remark was a careless exaggeration, withdraw it; if it was a genuine threat, law enforcement must step in. Security agencies must not remain silent. They must investigate, caution, and, where necessary, prosecute anyone inciting lawlessness or undermining public order. This is not about partisanship, it is about protecting the peace and upholding the Constitution.

Who pays the cost? — Ordinary Kano citizens do. Traders, farmers, students, and families will be the first to pay through lost livelihoods, fear and fractured communities. The short-term prize of “reclaiming power” cannot justify the long-term ruin of peace and trust.

The closing warning — Politics is a contest of ideas, not impunity. Parties have every right to campaign, contest and litigate – but none to declare law-breaking an option. In a nation still learning to walk the democratic path, words that glorify illegality are acts of sabotage against the people’s will.

Action now: Retract, reaffirm, and enforce. Political actors must withdraw reckless claims, party leaders must publicly reject calls for lawlessness, and law enforcement must take decisive, impartial action against anyone (including the privileged and protected rabble-rouser, Kore) whose words or actions endanger public peace. Institutions must stand firm. The alternative to this is grim – deepening distrust, recurring violence, and a democracy hollowed out from within.

Garba Kore’s unchecked threats on Kano State are capable of sparking instability in Northwest. His outbursts are like words on fire and the dangerous rhetorics risks inflaming regional instability.

This opinion piece was contributed by Barrister Aminu Hussaini Sagagi, Special Adviser to the Executive Governor of Kano State AKY, on Justice/Constitutional Matters.

Northern Youths Reject Calls for Protest, Endorse Tinubu and Uba Sani’s Leadership — Demand 10-Year Development Agenda for the North

Kaduna, Nigeria — Monday, October 20, 2025

A coalition of prominent Northern youth organizations under the umbrella of Advocates of Peace and Prosperity has declared their total support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani, rejecting any attempt to drag Northern youths into the ongoing Nnamdi Kanu–inspired protests taking place in parts of the country.

Speaking at a World Press Conference held in Kaduna, the group, which includes representatives from the Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON), Muslim Youth for Peaceful Society (MYPS), Arewa Concerned Citizens Forum (ACCF), Nigeria Youth Projects (NYP), Tinubu-Uba Leadership Network (TULN), Kaduna Citizens Forum (KCF), and several others, said Northern youths refuse to be distracted or manipulated into any anti-government demonstration aimed at destabilizing Nigeria.

Reading a joint communiqué on behalf of the coalition, Dr. Olayinka Adeosun and Hon. Husseini Modibbo Kachia emphasized that Nigeria’s unity remains non-negotiable, warning that divisive protests could reopen old wounds of ethnic tension and national instability.

“We refuse to participate in any protest designed to undermine the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and all those working tirelessly to ensure a united Nigeria beyond ethnic and religious coloration,” the statement read.

The coalition urged Northern leaders, traditional institutions, and policymakers to develop a 10-year Northern Developmental Agenda (2025–2035) that focuses on eradicating insecurity, building human capacity, and empowering young people with economic capital and social development programs.

“The North remains backward in key indices of development, and there must be a deliberate, coordinated effort to rebuild our economic system. Our focus should be on empowerment, not protest,” the group stated.

The youth leaders reaffirmed that the constitution remains the only legitimate means of resolving national issues, warning against street actions that could lead to chaos and loss of lives.

They particularly commended Governor Uba Sani for his exemplary leadership in the North, noting his visible efforts in promoting skill acquisition, poverty reduction, and human capacity development across Kaduna State and the wider Northwest region.

“Governor Uba Sani has shown courage and vision by prioritizing empowerment and inclusive governance. His model of peace and dialogue stands as a template for sustainable development in the North,” the statement added.

The group also hailed the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa Gwabin, for maintaining peace and stability through intelligence-driven operations and inter-agency coordination. They called on Nigerian youths to emulate his discipline and patriotism.

In their closing remarks, the coalition reiterated their collective stance that the North must be a partner in progress, not a region associated with retrogressive actions or violence.

“The future of the North depends on unity, education, economic empowerment, and peace. We must rebuild our region with hope and vision — not destruction,” they concluded.

The press conference, supervised by Hon. Victor Mathew Bobai, Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to Governor Uba Sani, ended with a resounding declaration of loyalty to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and a pledge to promote peace and national cohesion across all Northern states.