Lagos-based human rights activist, Richard Akinnola, has urged the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, to face his job as a soldier and stop meddling in political matters.
In a post on his Facebook page on Monday, the veteran journalist says the statement by Musa that President Bols Tinubu has only spent one year in office and therefore can’t solve all Nigeria’s problems is a misnomer.
Akinnola also condemned the warning by the CDS to media houses not to cover the protests, saying it is not his responsibility to direct the media on what to report or not.
He wrote, “Dear General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, with due respect, you have no locus standi telling the Media not to cover protests. Even wars all over the world are covered by journalists, including by our own Aremo Segun Osoba, who covered the Nigerian civil war for Daily Times. So, you have no right to tell the media not to give coverage to protesters”.
“Secondly, and this is quite unfortunate, you are a soldier, not a political office holder in the presidency. It is therefore a misnomer for you to veer out of your duties and be telling Nigerians that president Tinubu has just spent one year in office and could not have been expected to solve all our economic problems within one year”.
” Please General, don’t drag the military into politics. That your statement is outside the purview of your responsibility as Chief of Defence Staff. That is the responsibility of presidential spokesmen and politicians”.
“You have no business with politics. When you drop your uniform, which you would surely do one day, you can throw your hat into the political ring. No problem. But as long as you are wearing the military uniform, please steer clear of political talks and face your duty of securing the nation. Thank you”.
