By Harriet Tornguvan
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), has declared that Nigeria’s security and national outlook are gradually improving under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, attributing the progress to the President’s commitment to national security and development.
General Musa made the remarks in Abuja while speaking with journalists shortly after the commissioning of the annex branch of Haam Legal Consult Services.
According to a statement issued by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the Defence Minister said President Tinubu had continued to provide strong support for the Armed Forces of Nigeria, thereby enhancing the military’s operational capacity in tackling insecurity across the country.
He disclosed that the Nigerian military was collaborating with its American counterparts and other peace loving nations to confront the security challenges facing the country.
Musa assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces remained steadfast in their commitment to safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops were working tirelessly to improve security nationwide.
The Defence Minister, however, emphasized that security could not be achieved by the military alone, urging citizens to support ongoing efforts by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities.
He warned against offering any form of assistance or protection to criminal elements, noting that insecurity persisted partly because some individuals and communities still provided support to criminals.
“If all Nigerians decide today that there will be no more support for criminals, I can assure you that within one month, these security challenges would largely become things of the past,” he stated.
Speaking on governance and democracy, Musa stressed the need for visionary and credible leadership driven by patriotism and commitment to national progress.
He cautioned against electing “criminal-minded individuals” into leadership positions, arguing that Nigeria’s transformation depended largely on purposeful leadership.
“We need leaders who genuinely have passion for this country and are committed to making the necessary changes Nigeria desires. Once we have purposeful leadership, things will change. Nigeria is changing,” he said.
The Minister further urged Nigerians to participate actively in politics and support leaders committed to nation-building rather than engaging in ethnic, religious or sentimental politics.
He also warned against vote-buying and compromising the nation’s future for personal interests.
On the commissioning of Haam Legal Consult Services, Musa commended the initiative of young legal practitioners, particularly the Principal Partner of the firm and his Special Assistant, Barrister Aliyu Anas, for contributing to society through legal practice.
He underscored the importance of justice, law and respect for human rights in nation-building, noting that no society or business environment could thrive without adherence to the rule of law.
“A community that is respected is a community that obeys the law and respects the rights of others. Without law and order, humanity cannot thrive, and no nation can command respect if its laws are not obeyed,” the Minister said.
Musa prayed for the continued growth of the law firm and expressed optimism that it would provide quality legal services to the public.
Earlier, the Head of Chambers, Barrister Abdulsalam Ibrahim, thanked the Defence Minister and his entourage for attending the event and pledged that the firm would uphold fairness and justice in line with legal ethics.
He explained that the firm provides services including land and property agreements, legal advisory, legal drafting, election matters, property management, contract reviews, real estate and Corporate Affairs Commission registration, among others.
