By Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has strongly rejected claims that President Bola Tinubu is a political burden to Northern Nigeria, calling such insinuations baseless and politically driven.
In a statement released Friday through his aide, Hon. Ibrahim Goga, the former Zamfara State governor said those pushing the narrative were desperate for attention. “They are simply seeking political relevance and sympathy,” Matawalle said.
He described Tinubu as a major asset to the North, committed to tackling the region’s deep-rooted challenges before 2027. “Our people in the North are wise enough not to be misled by those who failed to use their time in power wisely. Now they resort to mischief to stay relevant,” he said.
Calling for unity, Matawalle stressed that the North must support Tinubu’s efforts, particularly in combating insecurity. “We must rally behind the President to ensure lasting peace and development. We cannot afford to be manipulated into becoming part of the problem.”
He accused certain political elites of spreading misinformation because they were left out of political appointments. “These are people who squandered past mandates and now blame others for their failures,” he added.
The minister praised Tinubu’s security initiatives, highlighting the success of Operation Fansan Yamma. “Over 65 notorious bandit leaders have been taken out, hundreds of their fighters eliminated, and 200 camps destroyed in record time,” he stated.
Matawalle also lashed out at critics of the federal government. “Where were they when our people were being killed and displaced? They chose luxury over empathy. Now they parade themselves as defenders of the North, crying crocodile tears.”
He noted Tinubu’s broader vision of national unity, pointing to federal infrastructure projects like the Zaria-Gusau-Talata Mafara-Sokoto expressway and the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway as signs of real commitment to the North.
