By Toff Kulere

The appointment of Gen. C.G. Musa as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence has stirred a wave of optimism across the country. One of my favourite writers, Emmanuel Ozioma Iwuegbu captured the mood perfectly when he wrote:

“A directive like ‘shoot bandits on sight’ may sound forceful in public, but within professional security circles, it signals something far more nuanced—precision, clarity, and heightened responsibility.

If the Honourable Minister truly issued that instruction, it reflects a growing national resolve to confront insecurity with urgency. But such directives are not invitations to indiscriminate force; they are reminders that armed threats must be addressed swiftly when hesitation endangers both civilians and personnel.

Yet even with stronger mandates, the rules of engagement remain the compass. Decisive action must walk side by side with disciplined judgment. Professionals understand this. The public may focus on the headlines, but within the system, the real message is increased responsibility, sharper assessment, and a demand for operational excellence.

If carried out with discipline, this approach could mark a turning point—not through recklessness, but through informed, accountable, well-executed action.”

On this, I am in absolute consensus ad idem with his professional submission.
BUT—and this is where Nigeria’s history forces us to be sober—appointing the right man is not the same as equipping him with the right tools. And even when the tools are available, synergy with other actors in the system is equally vital.

Without that synergy, we risk witnessing a replay of 2015, when high expectations were placed on the late GMB, only for the system to suffocate the promise.

Let me remind you of history—because Nigeria has seen this movie before.

The Tai Solarin Trap

Tai Solarin, that courageous educationist and activist, was one of the loudest critics of the “Evil Genius,” General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida. One day, IBB invited him to the State House.

After thanking him for his criticisms, IBB asked slyly:

“Egbon, how best can we reduce the suffering of the poor masses?”

Solarin, full of conviction, suggested the creation of a bank for ordinary Nigerians, to grant small, soft loans to the vulnerable. IBB agreed instantly. The People’s Bank was born—wealthily funded— and Solarin was made the Chairman.

But it was a trap dressed as an opportunity.

A mole was planted as the bank’s Director. She opposed every policy Solarin proposed. Tai advised that beneficiaries should provide at least minimal collateral to ensure accountability. IBB and the Director disagreed. Loans were given freely.

When repayment time came, the beneficiaries evaporated.
Millions vanished.
The bank collapsed—sabotage from within.

To finish Solarin politically, the bank organised a flamboyant anniversary celebration. They forced him, a man known for his khaki shorts and vows of modesty, into an expensive white agbada. They made him dance. Cameras flashed. The next morning, headlines screamed:

“Tai Solarin Abandons the Poor!”

“Tai Now Wears Babanriga!”

“From Critic to Failure!”

His image was shredded.

When IBB summoned him again and mockingly asked what went wrong, Tai was speechless. Broken. The “Evil Genius” calmly concluded:

“You see, Baba, I only gave you a bank and you failed. Imagine what I face running a whole country. Go home and rest.”

Solarin never criticised him again.

The same thing happened to Wole Soyinka with the FRSC—internal sabotage that forced a resignation and dampened his criticisms.

You can find the full Tai Solarin story in my book, Tales Without Borders.

Why This Matters for Gen. Musa

I am not saying that Gen. Musa is being set up to fail.
I am saying that even the most competent minister will fail if the system around him is determined to sabotage his efforts.

Even some of the President’s harshest critics agree that this appointment is one of the best decisions he has made.

May Gen. Musa succeed.
Nigeria desperately needs him to.

A Word to the Honourable Minister

Sir, if you are not given the right environment to work…
If you sense sabotage…
Expose it to the President immediately.

If nothing changes, for your own dignity—and for the nation that has placed its hopes on you-
👉🏽 RESIGN.

Sometimes leaving is the loudest form of patriotism.

I so humbly submit. I didn’t want to write but I have a duty, nay, an obligation to write too as a citizen and express my feelings.

© Toff Kulere