The Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, has dismissed insinuations that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a liability to Northern Nigeria, asserting that the President has been doing his best and remains committed to addressing the region’s challenges before the end of his first tenure in 2027.
In a strongly-worded statement, Matawalle stated that President Tinubu inherited the problems he is at present addressing.
The minister said President Tinubu has reset the foundation for progress in the Nigerian economy, stating also that the country’s democracy under the President is more stable than ever.
“Those campaigning against the President using fruitless propaganda and falsehoods are merely seeking political relevance and sympathy,” he said.
“Our people in the North are wise enough not to be misled by individuals who have failed to secure their political future.
“These are people who once held power but failed to make any meaningful impact. Now, they resort to mischief to stay relevant, “he said.
He emphasized the need for unity and support for President Tinubu, particularly in the fight against insecurity in the region.
“We must not allow ourselves to be manipulated and misled into becoming part of the problem.
“Instead, we must rally behind the President to ensure lasting peace and development in the North”, he noted.
Matawalle accused certain political elites of circulating misinformation due to their frustration over their failure to get political appointments.
“These individuals are not to be trusted with our future. When they were given the mandate in the past, they squandered it, and now they blame others for their failures,” Matawalle recalled.
He lauded President Tinubu’s commitment to restoring peace and order and improving infrastructure in the North, citing the success of Operation Fansan Yamma and other security efforts.
“Our gallant military and police forces, supported by the President, have recorded breakthroughs against criminal elements. Over 65 known dangerous bandit leaders had been neutralized, and hundreds of their foot soldiers killed. 200 camps were also destroyed within the shortest period,” he said.
The minister also faulted some critics of the federal government over the security challenge for their unjustified criticisms, accusing them of sheer political hypocrisy.
He asked, “Where were they when our people were being killed and displaced by bandits? Instead of providing solutions, succour, and support or visiting affected communities, they prioritized luxury above sympathy.
“Now, they go around shedding crocodile tears to gain cheap popularity behind the people they had earlier abandoned.”
Matawalle said part of the efforts and initiatives of President Tinubu is targeted at building a prosperous nation where unity and cohesion will prevail.
He highlighted the peaceful Ramadan and Sallah celebrations across many parts of the North, attributing the situation to improved security under Tinubu’s leadership.
“There were significantly fewer reports of bandit attacks and kidnappings. People were reportedly going about their businesses in many states during the blessed month. This shows the President’s efforts are yielding fruits, yet his critics remain silent on these successes.”
Matawalle also pointed to significant progress in infrastructure projects, such as the ongoing multi-billion Zaria-Gusau-Talata Mafara-Sokoto expressway construction and the re-awarded Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway, among other federal government projects in the North.
“These are major projects that were either ignored or abandoned for years. Now, they are being revived and executed under President Tinubu. Yet, some political elites are bent on ignoring these achievements to paint a negative picture.”
He reassured Nigerians, especially Northerners, that President Tinubu is committed to ensuring peace and development, and securing a better future for all.
SIGNED: Bello Matawalle,
Minister of State, Defence & Former Governor of Zamfara State.
April 17, 2025.
