Badaru Competent To Head Defence Ministry — Group

A socio-political group, Arewa New Agenda (ANA), has canvassed support for the newly appointed Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, saying unfair comments about his competence were uncalled for.

The chairman of the group, Sen. Ahmad Abubakar MoAllahyidi, stated this at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.

LEADERSHIP reports that ANA envisions a Nigeria where the North thrives, possesses vibrancy, and assumes responsibility for its destiny.

As the new ministers resume in their offices, ANA expressed dismay over what it called unjust criticisms of some of the Ministers, cloaked in religious and ethnic sentiments, even before they’ve settled on their roles.

MoAllahyidi said: “H.E. Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, the newly appointed Minister of Defence, was singled out for such unjustified attacks.

“Badaru’s eight-year tenure as Jigawa State’s Governor was an exemplary record of ensuring safety, peace, and coexistence despite the state’s geographical vulnerabilities.

“Despite being a state neighbouring insecure countries and states, Jigawa is one of the few states in the North that has never had the insecurity issue.

“The association found it fitting for him to lead the Ministry of Defence, given his history of safeguarding territorial integrity.

“Badaru’s successful track record in both public and private spheres underscores his competence for this role.”

ANA emphasised the cultural and traditional imperative of supporting and respecting leadership, dismissing any call for Badaru’s dismissal as premature and unfounded.

MoAllahyidi added: “ANA is resolute in its pledge to foster social harmony and peaceful coexistence as Nigeria continues its journey toward national improvement.

“Undoubtedly, Nigeria is grappling with some of its most trying times in the path to nationhood. The demand for forward-thinking ministers capable of harnessing both human and material resources to enhance the lives of citizens has never been more critical.

“While this is a nationwide need, the North, for undeniable reasons, requires these ministers even more.

“ANA places great significance on how the forthcoming presidency of Tinubu addresses the twin challenges of insecurity and economic instability.

“However, it’s vital to acknowledge that these concerns aren’t the only ones afflicting the nation.”

ANA congratulated the recently sworn-in 45 ministers and urged them to strive for distinctiveness, saying their appointment presents a fresh opportunity to drive socio-economic progress even as it warned against any lavish display of office privileges amid the country’s economic struggles.

However, ANA called on ministers from the northern region to work diligently for the betterment of both the North and Nigeria as a whole.

The association emphasised the need to prioritise the collective vision over personal interests, echoing the overarching goals set forth by the President.

ANA stressed the importance of ministers engaging with the people to comprehend their aspirations and incorporate these into President Tinubu-led government’s Renewed Hope agenda.