The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has dismissed insinuations that President Bola Tinubu was a political liability to the Northern part of the country Nigeria, describing such claims as political motivated.
Matawalle, in a statement on Friday by his Special Assistant on Political Affairs, Hon. Ibrahim Goga, said those campaigning against Tinubu were merely seeking political relevance and sympathy.
The former Zamfara State governor described Tinubu as asset to the North who is committed to addressing the region’s numerous challenges before the end of his first tenure in 2027.
“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 a meaningful impact, and now, they resort to mischief to stay relevant,” Matawalle said.
He emphasised the need for unity and support for Tinubu particularly in the fight against insecurity in the region.
“We must not allow ourselves to be manipulated 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 exclusion from political appointments.
“These individuals are not to be trusted with our future. When given the mandate in the past, they squandered it, and now they blame others for their failures”, Matawalle recalled.
He lauded Tinubu’s commitment to restoring peace 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’s strategy, have recorded breakthroughs against criminal elements. Over 65 known dangerous bandit leaders were eliminated, and as a result, hundreds of their foot soldiers were killed and 200 camps destroyed within the shortest period,” he said.
Matawalle also faulted some critics of the federal government for their unjustified criticisms, accusing them of 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 enjoyed luxury above sympathy.
“Now, they go around shedding crocodile tears to gain cheap popularity behind people they abandoned”.
He noted part of the efforts of President Tinubu as building a prosperous nation with unity and cohesion among all.
Matawalle also pointed to progress in infrastructure such as the ongoing multi-billion naira Zaria-Gusau-Talata Mafara-Sokoto expressway construction and the re-awarded Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway, among other federal government presences 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 elites are bent on ignoring these achievements to paint a negative picture,” the minister noted.
He reassured Nigerians, especially Northerners, of Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring peace, development, and a secure future for all.
