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In a rousing statement from his Mayoral Palace, the Mayor of Urhoboland, His Excellency Dr. Eshanekpe Israel (Akpodoro), has congratulated Lieutenant General Christopher Musa (retired) on his appointment as Minister of Defence, calling it President Bola Tinubu’s boldest move yet in the war against terrorism.

“Less than two months after retiring as Chief of Defence Staff, the President has brought back the nation’s most trusted general.

“This is not just an appointment — it is a masterstroke,” Mayor Akpodoro declared.

He praised Gen. Musa’s unrivaled track record in tackling banditry and insurgency led Nigerians to openly grieve his retirement because “he was winning the war.”

“President Tinubu, the unrelenting talent hunter, kept the best for last. Gen. Musa is ebullient, battle-tested and universally trusted.

“He has the magic wand to finish what he started,” the Mayor said.

Urging unity, Akpodoro called on the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and all security chiefs to give the new minister their total support.

He demanded the death penalty for terrorists and hostage-takers, insisting: “No negotiations. Send them to their ancestors — in large numbers and without delay.”

The former Niger Delta agitator also drew a sharp line between lawful regional demands of the past and today’s terrorism.

“Niger Delta youths fought for equity, never killed women and children. Comparing that struggle to the evil of terrorism is ungodly and unpatriotic,” he said.

Akpodoro equally congratulated Reno Omokri on his ambassadorial nomination, praising President Tinubu’s focus on national interest above all.