Non-governmental Organisation Faults Calls For Matawalle’s Resignation

A non-governmental organisation, Egalitarian Africa, has picked holes in the calls for the resignation of the minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle.

It argued that the minister is fit for the position.

The group, in a statement by its general secretary, Akogun Olutoye Sunday, urged President Bola Tinubu to disregard the allegations against the minister.

The group’s reaction was in response to the resignation of the defence minister, Mohammed Badru, and calls in some quarters for Matawalle to follow suit.

It noted that Badiru’s resignation should not mean that the minister of state must also resign.

“Those calling for Matawalle’s resignation are doing so for selfish reasons. As a former governor of Zamfara State, Matawalle has an edge in knowledge of how to combat banditry.
‘Matawalles’s experiences as a governor in a state like Zamfara will be brought to bear in tackling insecurity.

“In battling issues of banditry and other crimes, experience is needed. Not just experience as a security personnel but firsthand as a governor who had dealt with issues of banditry and terrorism.”
The group pointed out that when dealing with appointments on sensitive matters, the federal government must remain firm and stand by its convictions regarding those it appoints.

“You hardly see any appointment in Nigeria that controversies will not mar.

“However, the people must have their say, but the government should not be swayed by sentiments engineered by a few people for selfish interests.”

It stated that someone must have gone to great lengths and probably paid a significant amount to produce a video solely for the purpose of ensuring the minister’s removal.

The group stated that there is a need for Nigerians to come together and support the federal government and its appointees in combating the nationwide challenges of insecurity.

“This is not about the title or who gets it. It is about our nation against criminals. It is a wake-up call to all well-meaning Nigerians to support the fight and not to pull people down without asking the necessary questions,” it added.

It, however, urged the minister to remain focused and to ignore distractions that may affect his performance.