Tinubu Not Political Liability to Northern Nigeria, Says Matawale
Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has launched a robust defence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, firmly dismissing claims the President is a political liability to Northern Nigeria. In a statement released today through his Senior Aide on Politics, Hon. Ibrahim Danmaliki Gidan Goga, Matawalle accused disgruntled Northern political elites of deliberately spreading misinformation and leveraging propaganda to undermine the administration and maintain relevance.
The statement comes amidst growing criticisms of Tinubu’s handling of insecurity and economic challenges, particularly within the North, a region historically a key political base. Matawalle vehemently countered these criticisms, arguing Nigeria’s democracy is demonstrably more stable under Tinubu and that demonstrable progress is being made in addressing the region’s long-standing security concerns.
“Our people in the North are wise enough not to be misled by individuals who failed to secure their political future,” Matawalle stated, directly targeting his criticisms at unnamed former power holders.
“These are people who once held power but failed to make any meaningful impact. Now, they resort to mischief to stay relevant.”
The Minister attributed the attacks on the President to frustration over exclusion from political appointments, suggesting a self-serving motive behind the negative narrative. He accused these individuals of hypocrisy, contrasting their current expressions of concern with their perceived inaction during the height of banditry and displacement.
“Where were they when our people were being killed and displaced by bandits?” Matawalle questioned. “Instead of offering support or visiting affected communities, they lived in luxury. Now, they shed crocodile tears to gain cheap popularity among people they previously abandoned.”
Matawalle pointed to several recent successes as evidence of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to, and progress in, securing the North. He specifically highlighted “Operation Fasan Yamma” and other security initiatives, claiming the elimination of over 65 bandit leaders, the neutralization of hundreds of foot soldiers, and the destruction of 200 camps in a “record time.” He also cited the peaceful observance of Ramadan and Sallah celebrations as a direct result of improved security, contrasting this with previous years marked by widespread attacks.
Beyond security, Matawalle also emphasized the revival of critical infrastructure projects in the region, specifically mentioning the ongoing multi-billion naira Zaria-Gusau-Talata Mafara-Sokoto expressway and the re-awarded Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway. He framed these projects, previously stalled or abandoned, as tangible evidence of the administration’s dedication to development in the North.
