Ignore Alleged Calumny Campaigns Against Matawalle, Yoruba Youths Tell Tinubu

The Yoruba Youths Council (YYC) has urged President Bola Tinubu to dismiss what it termed “sponsored campaigns of calumny” allegedly targeted at the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the group’s President, Comrade Eric Oluwole, expressed concern over what he described as attempts by unnamed individuals to tarnish Matawalle’s reputation in the wake of the voluntary resignation of the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Badaru Abubakar, due to health reasons.

According to Oluwole, the council was of the view that the alleged campaign was being driven by political opponents who were unhappy with recent changes in the federal cabinet.

He, therefore, called on President Tinubu to stay alert and not allow what he referred to as “manufactured distractions” to interfere with national security administration.

The council further praised the President for what it described as bold steps taken to reform Nigeria’s security framework, particularly his move to request constitution amendments from the National Assembly to allow for the establishment of state police. YYC stated that this initiative reflects a strong commitment to tackling insecurity nationwide.

The organisation stressed that national security is among the most delicate aspects of governance, one that should be entrusted to individuals with a “deep understanding of the intricate terrain.”

It maintained that this was another reason why the president should disregard any negative narratives allegedly being sponsored against Matawalle.

The group also responded to reports suggesting that President Tinubu is considering the former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (rtd), for the role of Minister of Defence.

YYC described a potential pairing of Musa and Matawalle in the ministry as “highly suitable,” noting that both officials had previously collaborated successfully during a major security operation in Sokoto State.

According to the statement, the duo “relocated to Sokoto in the heat of an onslaught by the Defence Ministry to dislodge bandits,” a move YYC said helped to significantly improve relative peace in the North-West at the time.

Oluwole once again expressed confidence in Matawalle’s performance since taking office, labelling him as “one of the best-performing ministers in President Tinubu’s cabinet.”

He highlighted several milestones recorded under Matawalle’s leadership, including advancements in local arms manufacturing, increased capacity at the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), the passage of the DICON Act 2023, his promotion of unity among northern political stakeholders, and continued anti-banditry and counter-terrorism operations in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The statement also referenced a previous period when top defence officials, including Matawalle and General Musa, were redeployed to the Nigerian Army 8 Division in Sokoto, a move that reportedly resulted in significant security improvements, with several high-profile criminal figures taken out.

The YYC called on President Tinubu to keep appointing “competent hands” in the effort to curb insecurity, stating that success in this area would greatly enhance national stability and strengthen public confidence as the 2027 general elections approach.

The group ended by restating its “unwavering support” for the President’s security initiatives and encouraged Nigerians to ignore any narratives that might weaken ongoing efforts to restore peace in the country.