Dr. Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, has vehemently refuted allegations portraying President Bola Tinubu as a political burden to Northern Nigeria. He characterized these assertions as unfounded and politically driven, designed to undermine the President’s standing and sow discord within the nation. Matawalle, in a statement released through his Special Assistant on Political Affairs, Ibrahim Goga, emphatically declared President Tinubu an invaluable asset not only to the North but also to the entire country. He underscored the administration’s significant achievements in bolstering national security, advancing critical infrastructure projects, and fostering a stronger sense of national unity.
Matawalle’s defense of President Tinubu’s leadership centers on the tangible progress made in addressing the multifaceted challenges confronting Northern Nigeria. He contends that the critics, who propagate these negative narratives, are primarily disgruntled political actors seeking to regain relevance after failing to secure their desired positions within the current administration. He accused this group of orchestrating a campaign of misinformation to obscure their past failures and deflect attention from their exclusion from strategic appointments within the Federal Government. These individuals, he argued, had ample opportunities to demonstrate effective leadership during their time in power but left behind a negligible legacy. Now, they masquerade as champions of the people, resorting to falsehoods and manipulative tactics to garner sympathy and undermine the current administration.
Matawalle underscored the transformative impact of the Tinubu-led administration’s security initiatives, particularly Operation Fansan Yamma, which has yielded remarkable results in combating banditry and terrorism in the North. He highlighted the neutralization of over 65 notorious bandit leaders and the destruction of approximately 200 terrorist camps as testaments to the operation’s success. The improved security situation, Matawalle noted, has translated into a more peaceful atmosphere for communities in the region, with the recent Easter and Ramadan seasons being among the most tranquil in years. This stands in stark contrast to the pervasive insecurity that plagued these communities in the past, demonstrating the efficacy of the current administration’s security strategies.
Further bolstering his argument, Matawalle pointed to the administration’s renewed commitment to infrastructure development in the North. He cited the revitalization of critical projects, including the Zaria-Gusau-Talata Mafara-Sokoto expressway and the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway, as concrete evidence of President Tinubu’s dedication to the region’s progress. These projects, long neglected by previous administrations, are now receiving the necessary attention and resources, contributing significantly to improving connectivity and facilitating economic growth in the North. Matawalle criticized the President’s detractors for conveniently ignoring these tangible achievements, as they contradict their narrative of neglect and indifference towards the region.
Matawalle’s assertion that President Tinubu is an asset to the North rests on the premise that the region stands to benefit significantly from the President’s leadership. He argued that the administration’s focus on security, infrastructure development, and national unity aligns perfectly with the North’s long-term aspirations for peace, prosperity, and stability. By investing in these critical areas, the government is creating an enabling environment for economic growth, social development, and improved living standards for the people of the North. This, Matawalle contends, is a testament to the President’s commitment to ensuring that the region receives its fair share of national development.
He urged the people of Northern Nigeria to reject the divisive rhetoric propagated by those seeking to undermine the government and embrace a spirit of unity and cooperation. He emphasized the importance of supporting a functional and effective leadership that is demonstrably committed to addressing the challenges facing the region. By working together and standing behind the President, he argued, the North can achieve its full potential and secure a brighter future for its citizens. Matawalle’s call for unity underscores the belief that collective action and support for a progressive leadership are essential for overcoming the region’s challenges and realizing its aspirations for peace, development, and progress.
