…Says ‘his administration a stabilising force for Nigeria’s democracy’
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has dismissed claims suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was a political liability to the North, insisting that the president “remains focused on addressing the region’s security and development challenges.”
In a statement issued Friday by his Senior Political Aide, Hon. Ibrahim Danmaliki Gidan Goga, the minister described the administration of President Tinubu as a “stabilising force for Nigeria’s democracy.”
He accused certain northern political elite of using propaganda and falsehoods to gain relevance after failing to deliver while in power.
“Our people in the North are wise enough not to be misled by individuals who failed to impact lives when they had the opportunity. Now they peddle mischief and misinformation because they’ve been sidelined from current appointments,” he said.
He called for unity in the North and urged the region to support Tinubu’s efforts, especially in combating insecurity.
“We must not allow ourselves to be manipulated into becoming part of the problem. Instead, we should rally behind the President to secure lasting peace and development,” he said.
Citing the success of Operation Fansan Yamma, Matawalle noted that over 65 notorious bandit leaders have been eliminated, with hundreds of foot soldiers neutralised and over 200 camps destroyed under Tinubu’s leadership.
He also highlighted key infrastructure projects underway in the region, including the multi-billion naira Zaria–Gusau–Talata Mafara–Sokoto expressway and the re-awarded Abuja–Kaduna–Kano highway, saying they reflect the administration’s genuine interest in North’s development.
“The projects were ignored for years, but are now being revived. Yet, some elite pretend not to see the progress, choosing instead to paint a false picture,” he said.
The minister noted further that recent peaceful Ramadan and Sallah celebrations across many northern states were evidence of improved security.
“There were fewer reports of bandit attacks or kidnappings. People went about their activities peacefully, and that’s a direct result of Tinubu’s security strategy,” he added.
He urged northern stakeholders to put aside political differences and support President Tinubu in building “a united and prosperous Nigeria.”