Multi-ethnic, multi-religious Nigeria: Golden homecoming for the CDS to the Caliphate

ABUBAKAR A. NUHU-KOKO

Abubakar A. Nuhu-Koko of the Sokoto Energy Research Center (Energy Commission of Nigeria), Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, is a researcher in petroleum policy and economics, and founder and pioneer executive director, The Shehu Shagari World Institute for Leadership and Good Governance, Sokoto, Nigeria. He can be reached on +234 706 330 6887 or aanuhukoko4000@gmail.com

It will interest many Nigerians to know that the 18th Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Armed Forces of Nigeria though of Kaduna State extraction, in terms of state of origin as he hails from Zangon Kataf local government Area of southern Kaduna, is first and foremost a golden homeboy of the seat of the Caliphate, Sokoto – the headquarters of Islamic Jihad and present day capital city of Sokoto State.

Born in Sokoto, the seat of the Caliphate, on 25 December 1967 and coming from a humble family that lived in Sokoto over the years, he had his primary and secondary education all in Sokoto – Marafa Danbaba Primary school and Model Primary School Dorowa Road, Guiwa, Federal Low Cost Housing Estate, and Federal Government College, Sokoto) before joining the Nigerian Army. He is of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps and a member of the 38th Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and was Commissioned on 21st September 1991 from where he rose to become the Chief of Defence Staff of the armed forces appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) in June 2023.

What makes General CG Musa stand out among all the previous generals that have served as CDS is his unique childhood, growth and development within the Nigerian multi-socio-cultural and religious melting pot! Unique in the true sense that Nigeria is a melting pot of several  hundreds of diverse ethnic/tribal groups and two major competing religious groups living together more often in harmony and on some occasions in hostility among themselves.

It is within this paradoxical complex ecosystem of societal set-up that Gen CG Musa weathered through life resiliently, in childhood and adulthood, in Sokoto and other parts of Nigeria and abroad to become the nation’s prime patriotic citizen in all ramifications.

From my own very personal experiences, having spent over 50 years in Sokoto as well, except for my secondary school and university education that took me out of Sokoto State, I have lived, worked and made a family in Sokoto, and Sokoto State.  One can confidently state that Sokoto metropolis, with the exception of a few sad incidents in the past, is  the most accommodating, and a highly tolerant multi-ethnic and multi-religious-cum cultural setting in Nigeria one can live without challenges bordering on  ethnic and or religious discrimination.

For instance, this  uniqueness of the city was further extended to the CDS  on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 in Sokoto where he decided to spend his BOXING DAY break  with the men and women of the 8th Division of the Nigerian Army stationed in Sokoto. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) was equally at the 8th Division of the Nigerian Army based in Sokoto town to celebrate the Christmas Day (which coincided with the birthday of the CDS as well). After the CDS’s  engagement with the military,  he proceeded to  personally  commission the  Guiwa Primary Health Cottage Clinic (a neighborhood  clinic) which he graciously renovated.

He also visited the primary school he attended in the neighborhood and paid courtesy calls on some households in the neighborhood his parents lived in within the Guiwa suburban neighborhood of the city. He was very warmly welcomed and appreciated by large crowds of people holding placards with goodwill welcoming messages for him; particularly those he played football with when he was growing up.

By and large it was largely a very successful homecoming reception accorded to the unique Caliphate golden homeboy by a uniquely loving community of the seat of the Caliphate. The General has been described by many friends, associates and colleagues as God fearing, detribalised, firm and fair and a complete gentleman. A great lesson for multi-ethnic and multi-religious Nigeria is unity and love  in diversity.