El-Rufai’s record must face scrutiny – Northern elders tell critics of Min of Defence, Musa

The Coalition of Northern Elders has thrown its weight behind the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, over his recent controversial comments about the former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, saying the ex-governor’s record should be open to public scrutiny.

In a statement jointly signed by the representatives from the North-East, North-West and North-Central, Zana Goni, Mohammed Suleman and John Anaho, the elders said Musa’s remarks reflected concerns about the political and social consequences of policies implemented under the former administration.

The elders, under the auspices of the Coalition of Northern Elders for Peace and Development, faulted those attacking the Defence Minister, arguing that the focus should be on the issues he raised rather than his personality.

The elders said, “Those attacking General Musa should answer the issues he raised instead of attacking the messenger.”

They alleged that El-Rufai’s eight-year administration left behind controversies over governance, community relations and public policies, insisting that such issues should not be dismissed because of political or regional considerations.

It also rejected attempts to frame the dispute as a regional matter, warning northern leaders against defending former office holders simply because they share the same geographical background.

“The North must stop protecting individuals at the expense of the truth. Our loyalty must first be to the people, to good governance and to the peace of the region,” the coalition said.

Reacting to criticism reportedly made by lecturer and researcher Yakubu Sani Wudi, who expressed disappointment with Musa’s remarks, the elders said those who disagreed with the minister were entitled to their views but should also address the allegations against the former Kaduna administration.

The group maintained that leaving office did not place El-Rufai beyond accountability, saying his tenure remained part of Kaduna’s public record. “Once a person leaves office, his record becomes part of the public history of the state and Nigerians have every right to interrogate it,” the elders said.

It urged Nigerians to judge the controversy on the basis of evidence rather than political loyalty.

“General Musa has spoken. Let Nigerians examine what he said. Let the facts speak,” the coalition stated.