Shinkafi Hails Musa’s Appointment As Defence Minister, Seeks Matawalle’s Sacking

The Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development has applauded the appointment and confirmation of former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, while calling for the immediate removal of Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.

In a statement issued yesterday, the group’s executive director, Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, described General Musa’s appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a “well-deserved decision” and the right step toward strengthening the nation’s fight against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and other security threats.

Shinkafi noted that Musa’s “patriotism, professionalism, integrity and tenacity of purpose” have earned him wide national acceptance, adding that his leadership is critical at a time when Nigeria faces increased security challenges — including recent terrorist attacks, the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba in Borno State, and the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi and Niger states.

He praised recent federal government efforts aimed at restoring security, including the appointment of new service chiefs, declaration of a state of emergency on security, recruitment of 50,000 additional military personnel, and the withdrawal of police escorts from VIPs to reinforce internal security.

However, Shinkafi sharply criticized the previous leadership of the Defence Ministry, arguing that President Tinubu erred by appointing individuals without military expertise to oversee complex security matters. He specifically took aim at former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru — who has since resigned — and Bello Matawalle, asserting that their lack of experience “grossly affected the fight against terrorism and national order.”

According to him, Matawalle’s continued presence in the ministry could lead to leadership conflicts and hinder Musa’s ability to overhaul the defence architecture.

He insisted that national security must take precedence over politics and urged Matawalle to resign “honourably” or be dismissed.

Beyond calling for Matawalle’s removal, Shinkafi demanded the scrapping of the office of Minister of State for Defence entirely, describing it as unnecessary and an “aberration” in military command structure. He argued that the split in authority has led to disjointed oversight of key security institutions such as the maritime domain, the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), and the Defence Pension Board.

“The Ministry of Defence should not be run by two ministers operating parallel administrations,” he said.

Shinkafi emphasized that the position of Defence Minister should not be used as a political reward but reserved for individuals with military qualifications who can effectively coordinate national defence. He cited Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which places the security and welfare of the people as the primary purpose of government.

He urged Nigerians to unite behind President Tinubu, General Musa, and the security forces in their efforts to restore safety, unity, and peace across the country.

“Together, we will make Nigeria great again,” Shinkafi added.