The Concerned North East Citizens (CNEC), Maiduguri-based group, has described the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, as a detribalised and professional soldier with impeccable records.

This was made known by the group in a statement issued by its Secretary-General, Awwal Ahmed, on Sunday in Abuja.

Ahmed noted that there was a calculated attempt by some “misinformed religious scholars” within and outside Nigeria to discredit the name and the good reputation of Gen. Musa.

He said that while the group recognized the right of people to voice their opinion on issues, he added that it was their duty to condemn any attempt to blackmail innocent persons who were performing their duties.

“For the record, we want to make it clear that Gen. Musa, who was born and grew up in Sokoto, has strong credentials when it comes to the issue of religious tolerance even though he is a committed Christian.

“For the avoidance of doubt, we want to categorically state that Gen. Musa served as Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, with  impeccable record and his record is there for all to see.

“He assisted and helped the Muslim community to the best of his ability, and there are many people that can attest to that.

“It was his sterling track record as a professional infantry general that earned him the position of CDS.

“It is, therefore, wrong for anyone to link Gen. Musa with revenge or vendetta on behalf of Zangon Kataf because of what is happening in the Niger Republic,” he asserted.

Additionally, Ahmed said the Nigerian military is a professional institution that is highly detribalised apolitical and non religious.

“Therefore, we advise the public to desist from making comments that can denigrate its personnel or the military as an institution,” he added.