The Association of Concerned Citizens across Nigeria’s Six Geo-Political Zones, has thrown its weight behind the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, and Minister of State for
Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, over their efforts in improving national security.
The group denounced what they deemed a malicious campaign against the defense ministers by the Zamfara State government.
The Northwest representative, Comrade Muh’d Zaharaddeen, stated this in Abuja at a press briefing.
Zaharaddeen commended Badru Abubakr and Dr. Bello Matawalle for their unwavering efforts in enhancing national security, citing achievements such as fortified highways and improved military arrangements.
He also exposed a sponsored campaign allegedly orchestrated by the government of Anambra State, criticizing false accusations against Minister Bello.
He urged Lawal to fulfill his promises to enhance security in Zamfara and questioned the authenticity of the leaked proposal for a world press campaign against Bello, estimated at N7 million.
He said: “If you look at the military arrangement in the country, you would see that we have recorded a lot of success in terms of deploying personnel to their various posts and designations,
which improved the welfare and a conducive atmosphere of work and we recorded a lot of success on their leadership.
“We therefore want to use this opportunity to endorse Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, and Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle.
“Therefore, in this case, I wish to present to you a proposal that was leaked because some of us are, as I have said earlier, were contacted to indulge in today’s campaign. So, this letter was leaked and II am going to read the heading, it says “proposal for a world press by the North East Northwest North Central Coalition for accountability and good governance, urging President bola Tinubu to replace the Minister of State for defense, Mr. Bello.
“it will surprise you to hear how much this work was budgeted. And it was estimated to roughly about N7 million just to campaign for the removal of Matawale, on what grounds.”
Muhammed Hamza, representing North Central, highlighted the positive transformation in the region since the assumption of office by Badaru and Bello Mattawale, noting the significant reduction in violence, said: “Honourable Minister Bello and his colleagues have been doing a good job in my region.”
He urged any sponsored group to drop their sentiments and support the ministers to address insecurity challenges in the country.
Also speaking, Northwest representative, Auwal Marafa, commended Bello Mattawale for his efforts and accountability in addressing insecurity in the region, praising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Abubakar Badaru and Bello Mattawale to such positions.
In the South East, representative Comrade Orji Emeka, noted positive changes in the security situation, emphasizing the need to reject any sponsored campaign against Bello Mattawale.
He said: “We are here today to pass an input of confidence on the Minister of Defense because from the south state where I come from, the security situation has changed. We don’t really see custom kidnapping born in a police station.
“The security man, they’re up to their abilities and things are going on well, so, I think they should give this man a chance to put in his effort and make sure everything is going on well security wise, he has done so well. So I don’t see why anybody wants to drag him down.”
Abiola Peter, representing South West, disagreed with negative narratives about Muhammed Bello Mattawale, urging Tinubu to dismiss them as a campaign of calumny.
Abraham Ikokotu, representing the Niger Delta region, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians to disregard any forms of propaganda against the Honourable Minister of Defense for State, citing a notable reduction in kidnapping and militant activities since assuming office.
