Tinubu Urged To Scrap Minister Of State For Defence Office

A civil society organisation, Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development (PAPSD), has pleaded with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to scrap the Office of the Minister of State for Defence and relieve the current occupant, Bello Matawalle, of his appointment over what it described as “the worsening state of national security.”

The demand was contained in an open letter addressed to President Tinubu by the group’s executive director, Dr Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, a former Zamfara State governorship candidate and patron of the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council.

Shinkafi praised the recent appointment of former chief of defence staff, General Christopher Musa, as minister of defence — a move he said was widely celebrated by Nigerians who expect Musa’s wealth of military experience to strengthen the nation’s defence architecture.

However, he argued that the continued existence of the minister of state for defence portfolio and Matawalle’s retention in that position pose risks to effective coordination of the armed forces and hampers the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, militancy, and secessionist violence across the country.

“National interest obviously supersedes partisan politics. It is time to do the right thing in the interest of the nation,” Shinkafi stated, insisting that both the office and its current occupant have “outlived their usefulness.”

The group raised concerns over escalating bandit attacks in the Northwest, particularly in Zamfara, which it noted has become a 15-year epicentre for armed violence.

It warned that insecurity has dangerously spread to Kano, previously regarded as one of the safest states in the North.

Shinkafi highlighted how porous borders shared with the Niger Republic and the Benin Republic continue to enable the smuggling of weapons, drugs, and the influx of illegal arms and fighters from Sahel regions.

The Patriots group also accused Matawalle of lacking the credibility, security knowledge, and public trust required at this critical moment in Nigeria’s defence operations.

“Matawalle lacks public acceptance and is too controversial to serve as a minister, let alone Minister of State for Defence during a state of emergency on security.”

Shinkafi further questioned the minister’s academic qualifications and leadership ability, claiming that his continued presence in office undermines policy cohesion in the Ministry of Defence.

The group argued that having two ministers in the Ministry of Defence creates a divided command that weakens operational efficiency. It noted that the junior minister currently oversees critical defence agencies, including naval security, the pension board for veterans, and the Defence Industries Corporation.

According to Shinkafi, consolidating defence leadership under Gen. Musa will eliminate bureaucratic conflicts and strengthen the nation’s response to internal and external threats.

Reaffirming strong support for President Tinubu’s security agenda, PAPSD urged the President to take swift action in line with the expectations of “millions of well-meaning Nigerians.”

“The safety of Nigerians should be paramount. To meet the yearnings of the people, General Musa should be empowered to restructure and reposition the ministry without any overbearing interference,” the letter stressed.

The group expressed confidence that President Tinubu, whom they hailed as a leader driven by the welfare and protection of Nigerians, will take the necessary measures to restore national security and unity.