HURIWA seeks 100% loyalty to Tinubu’s govt from Northern elites

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged Northern political elites to heed the advice of the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, by showing unwavering loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

The call followed growing concerns over the insecurity in the Northern region and the recent nationwide “#EndBadGovernance” protests, which notably featured demands for military intervention, particularly from the North.

The National Coordinator of HURIWA, Emmanuel Onwubiko, in a statement, noted that the call became necessary as a result of recent developments that highlight the intricacies of Nigeria’s political environment.

He recalled that just a few months ago, Matawalle had challenged Northern political elites, especially those holding key appointments in President Tinubu’s government., with a clear message: a unified front and 100% loyalty to the President, which is essential for effectively addressing the wave of insecurity sweeping through the region.

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HURIWA, however, expressed concern that Matawalle’s appeal was met with resistance, with reports suggesting that some Northern elites orchestrated street protests aimed at tarnishing Matawalle’s image, spreading baseless claims to undermine his credibility.

Such actions, according to HURIWA, not only detract from the collective goal of national unity but also inadvertently sabotage the President’s efforts.

“With substantial representation, particularly in critical sectors like education, where both the Minister, Professor Tahir Mamman, SAN, and Minister of State, Yusuf Tanko Sununu, hail from the North, it is imperative for Northern leaders to fully support the President’s vision. The North’s leadership in the education sector, juxtaposed with its alarming rate of out-of-school children, underscores the need for proactive measures and unified leadership,” HURIWA said.

HURIWA further noted that had the Northern elites embraced Matawalle’s call for total loyalty, the impact of the recent protests might have been less severe. The distressing calls for military overthrow, which predominantly emanated from the North, highlight a discord that could have been avoided through a united front.

The group, however, believes that it is not too late for Northern political leaders to realign their strategies. The association urged the Northern political class to embrace the ethos of loyalty and constitutional fidelity as championed by Matawalle. Such a move, HURIWA asserts, would not only foster national unity but also strengthen efforts to combat insecurity and other systemic challenges.

HURIWA further commended the Ministry of Defence for its remarkable achievements, particularly the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) under the leadership of the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle. The association specifically highlighted the significant progress made in the area of defense manufacturing, a sector that has seen considerable growth since the current administration took office.

“Nigeria, once heavily reliant on foreign military equipment, is now emerging as a hub for high-tech military hardware in Africa. This transformation is largely due to the revitalization of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), which has been at the forefront of the country’s defense manufacturing efforts. Under Matawalle’s supervision, DICON has expanded its capabilities, producing advanced military hardware that is now being sourced by several African nations,” HURIWA noted.

HURIWA applauded the visionary leadership that has propelled DICON to its current status. The association observed that DICON’s growing reputation as a reliable defense manufacturer represents a significant boost to Nigeria’s economy. Moreover, the influx of foreign orders for military hardware is expected to enhance foreign exchange earnings, create jobs for skilled workers, and reduce the country’s dependence on imported defense equipment.

The association also recognized the recent enactment of the DICON Act 2023 as a pivotal development in Nigeria’s pursuit of self-reliance in defense production and commended the Ministry of Defence for its commitment to building a robust defense manufacturing sector that meets international standards.