Arewa’s Sudden Love for General Christopher Musa: A Familiar Political Trap?

There’s a growing wave of attention surrounding General Christopher Musa, a respected officer and a proud son of the Middle Belt, now being openly celebrated by some Northern (Arewa) political voices. But beneath the sudden affection lies a familiar pattern — one that Middle Belters should approach with caution.

The truth is, the so-called love from Arewa elites for anyone from the minority or “arne” (non-Fulani) communities has often been political, not genuine. It’s a cycle we’ve seen repeatedly — the Middle Belt used as a pawn to stabilize Northern political influence, only to be reminded later of its “place” as a minority zone with little national power.

A Calculated Political Game

The political cabal that prides itself as “born to rule” has long mastered the art of manipulation. When Nigeria’s politics becomes tense, they reach out to the Middle Belt — preaching unity, inclusion, and partnership. But once stability returns, those same voices reassert dominance, pushing the Middle Belt back into silence.

Today, as the Arewa political bloc searches for a new figure to replace Buhari’s so-called “12 million vote bank,” they seem to be flirting with new names — first Nasir El-Rufai, then Isa Pantami, both met with widespread rejection, especially from Southern Kaduna and the Middle Belt due to their controversial pasts.

Now, attention shifts toward General Christopher Musa, a man whose integrity and leadership have earned him respect beyond the barracks. But Nigerians must ask: Why now?

The Lessons of History

History offers a bitter reminder through the story of General Yakubu Gowon. As a Middle Belter, Gowon led Nigeria during one of its darkest chapters — the Civil War. Having read accounts by post-war historians, one can’t help but wonder why a Middle Belter found himself at the center of such devastation.

The events leading up to the war — from the 1966 pogroms against the Igbos to the failed implementation of the Aburi Accord — were marred by manipulation, political deceit, and regional interests. Gowon may have believed he was preserving national unity, but in hindsight, it is clear that larger forces were at play.

After the war, Gowon was overthrown by Murtala Mohammed, accused of inefficiency — a convenient excuse, but one that fits the pattern of using and discarding Middle Belt figures once their purpose has been served.

A Warning to the Middle Belt

If history teaches anything, it’s that the Middle Belt must learn from its repeated political betrayal. Whenever the cabal finds itself in disarray, it turns to the Middle Belt for legitimacy — projecting temporary “love” until power is regained. Then the pattern resumes: marginalization, neglect, and exclusion.

This sudden wave of affection toward General Christopher Musa may just be another move in that playbook — a way to reunite the North under a convenient Middle Belt face, while the real power remains elsewhere.

A Call to General Christopher Musa

General Musa must stay alert and resist any cabal-driven political manipulation. He carries the hopes of millions of Middle Belters — people who have suffered long under the weight of political exclusion and religious tension.

He has a promising future, not just as a military man but as a potential national leader — if he remains true to his people, his principles, and the truth.

The Middle Belt deserves genuine representation, not tokenism dressed as unity.