MINISTER MUSA AND THE ADVANTAGE OF AMALGAMATED APPLAUD

MINISTER MUSA AND THE ADVANTAGE OF AMALGAMATED APPLAUD

By Bala Ibrahim

If there is one thing that has been openly admitted by all, including the critics of this country, is the fact that since the announcement of the former Chief of Defence Staff of Nigeria, Gen. Christopher Musa as a ministerial nominee, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, almost all Nigerians, without regards to tribe or religion, are united in agreement to his suitability. This is so because of the belief that he has what it takes to champion the fight against the menace of insecurity that has bedevilled Nigeria for long. Because of the ardour, and amalgamation of the applaud, methinks, beyond the minister himself, who also admitted being touched to the point of emotion, by the concern shown on him by Nigerians, Nigeria as a whole needs to take advantage of the situation, in the search for solution to the thorny issue of national unity.

I am not sure, but I think, even Gen. Musa himself is not aware of the fact that he has this high level of public acceptance, until this time around. From the minute his removal was announced as the chief of Defence Staff, to the day he was nominated to return as a minister, the name Gen.Musa was dominant on the social and even the mainstream media. The despondency that lowered the spirit of people, pursuant to his removal, was replaced with a sustained amalgamation of applause, as a show of appreciation for his return as the minister of Defence.

This amalgamated applaud that followed the nomination and the eventual swearing in of Gen.Musa as the Minister of Defence, should be looked at from both the angle of character and that of reputation, because, a person’s character reflects on who he is, while his reputation reflects on what others think of him. Whether or not Gen. Musa thinks of himself as a man of high moral character, the public thinks he belongs there. Again, whether or not he thinks of himself as a man of repute, the public thinks he fits the space of a leader with good reputation. This is because, he has made name for sacrificing his comfort, for the comfort of others.

In Africa, as advanced by the late South African leader, Nelson Mandela, real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom or comfort of their people. He said, “A fundamental concern for others in our individual and community lives would go a long way in making the world the better place we so passionately dreamt”

ALSO READ: Indonesian Singer Irma Bule Dies After Snake Bite During Live Performance

As observed by a close friend, who happens to be a professional colleague of Minister Musa, the Tinubu administration stands to benefit a lot, by bringing people like him on board, particularly at a time like now, when the country is facing the combined challenge of insecurity and public mistrust, that seem occasioned by poor public perception. In such situations, the Government will need the services of people with good character because, character is the glue that holds the people together. People of trust will be a plus that build the foundation of any successful administration. With them, there would be improvement in performance and collective collaboration. And Minister Musa’s antecedents have shown him as a man that demonstrates strong character traits, such as humility, fairness, and accountability, which when combined, can inspire trust in others, who will see him as an effective leader.

Any government that needs public trust and confidence, must look for people with good character for decision making. It needs people that would take decisions based on ethical principles and the common good of the public. It needs people that are detribalized and principally God fearing. It needs people that are not intransigent to the religious beliefs of others. It is people with such traits that should be placed in positions of responsibility. They are the type that should be permitted to steer the institutions of administration. And that is an advantage availed Nigeria with the coming of Gen. Musa. An advantage Nigeria should exploit, because its a God given gift.

Unlike the furore that is yet to clear from the air, with regards the appointment of the INEC chairman, the appointment of Minister Musa has come with reversed responses. If Muslims, Christians and even those who don’t believe in God, can amalgamate to applaud the appointment of an individual in Nigeria, then everyone can see and understand the advantage of having the duo of character and reputation, as shown in the qualities of Minister Musa.

MINISTER MUSA AND THE ADVANTAGE OF AMALGAMATED APPLAUD