Bomba Dauda
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), has called on leaders, legal practitioners and citizens of Southern Kaduna to work together to overcome divisions and build a peaceful, united and prosperous region.
Speaking at a roundtable organised by the Southern Kaduna Lawyers’ Forum on the theme, “Division to Cohesion: Role of Lawyers, Leaders and Citizens in Southern Kaduna,” the Defence Minister described the initiative as timely and commended the organisers for creating a platform for dialogue and reconciliation.
Musa noted that while Southern Kaduna had experienced challenges that strained relationships among its people, sustainable development could only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, stability and mutual trust.
He stressed that lawyers have a critical responsibility beyond litigation, urging members of the Southern Kaduna Lawyers’ Forum to use their expertise to promote justice, encourage dialogue and strengthen institutions as foundations for lasting peace.
The minister also challenged political, traditional, religious and community leaders to place the welfare of the people above personal interests, saying true leadership is about building consensus, fostering tolerance and finding solutions rather than deepening divisions.
Addressing citizens, Musa urged young people to reject violence, criminality, hate speech and divisive narratives, while calling on religious leaders to continue preaching peace and mutual respect. He added that communities should embrace lawful conduct and resolve disputes through peaceful means.
The Defence Minister emphasised that security is not solely the responsibility of the military, saying lasting peace depends on strong communities, effective institutions, social justice and active citizen participation.
“The armed forces and other security agencies can create the conditions for peace, but lasting peace must ultimately be built and sustained by the people themselves,” he said, urging participants to focus on shared aspirations rather than differences.
Musa expressed confidence that the recommendations from the roundtable would strengthen unity, promote peaceful coexistence and support sustainable development in Southern Kaduna before formally declaring the meeting open.
