By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle has reaffirmed the unwavering support of the Northern region for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the President’s commitment to the region’s development and security is unshakeable.
Dr. Matawalle’s statement comes amidst attempts by some politicians to undermine the President’s leadership, citing his style of governance as a reason. However, the Minister dismissed these attempts as mere power play by unpatriotic politicians with an entitlement mentality.
The Minister highlighted the numerous benefits the North has derived from President Tinubu’s administration, including strategic appointments and infrastructural development.
He listed several key appointments held by Northerners, including himself as Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar as Minister of Defence, and others in key ministries which to include,
Muhammed Idris – Minister of Information and National orientation; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare – Ali Pate; Minister of Agriculture and food security -Abubakar kyari; Minister of Youths- Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim and Minister of Foreign Affairs – Yusuf Tuggar.
Others are, Minister of Budget and Economic planning – Atiku Bagudu; Minister of Water resources and sanitation – Joseph Utsve; Minister of Steel development – Shuaibu Audu; Minister of State, Agriculture – Sabi Abdullahi; Minister of Special duties – Zephaniah Jisalo; Minister of Education Tahir Maman SAN; Minister of State Education, Yusuf Sununu; Minister of Police affairs, Ibrahim Geidam; Minister of State Police Affairs, Hon imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; Minister of State water Resources Bello Goronto; Minister of Housing and urban development Ahmed Dangiwa; Minister of State Housing and urban Development Abdullahi Gwarzo and National Security Adviser.
The Northen appointees also include Director- General DSS; Director-General of NIA; Chief of Defence Staff; Chief of Air Staff; Group managing Director of NNPCL and MD of NPA among others.
According to Dr. Matawalle, from the aformentioned list, he called on the Northern political leaders to allow Tinubu ample time to get Nigeria’s economy back on track.
As the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle is playing a crucial role in actualizing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate on security.
He emphasized President Tinubu’s commitment to security, citing his efforts in the defence sector, including strategic policy development, counter-terrorism initiatives, capacity building, community engagement, regional security cooperation, humanitarian support, oversight, and coordination.
The Minister called on Northern political leaders to unite behind President Tinubu, to enable him implement his Renewed Hope Agenda and salvage the nation’s economy and politics.
He highlighted Mr. President’s love and commitment to the North, by listing the many benefits of having President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria pointing out many juicy political posts are being handled by Northerners compared to other regions of the country.
Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle is one of the ardent supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration saying that no amount of political gang up can unseat the President, and no amount of blackmail can stop him from contesting for the Presidential election come 2027.
To him, the alleged move, by some selfish Northern Politicians masquerading as oracle for the North is just mere power play by some unpatriotic northern politician without grassroots base.
Speaking on the the defence sector which he is handling, he said there was hope at the end of the tunnel as the President is committed to tackle the security situation head on.
In a statement by Director of Information and Public Relations, Me Henshaw Ogubike, on Tuesday, the Minister was quoted as saying:
“Let us unite around President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to salvage our battered economy and politics. This campaign of some selected Northern Politicians that are uncomfortable with the President’s style of governance are advised to join hands with the President in his Renewed Hope Agenda of moving the country to a prosperous and secured nation”
