Imminent shake-up: Northern groups want Tinubu to retain Matawalle as Defence Minister

Two prominent Northern groups have called on President Bola Tinubu to retain the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to sustain the fight against terrorism in the country.

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) and the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) also expressed their deep gratitude and commendation to President Tinubu for his decisive leadership in addressing the rampant insecurity that has plagued the North-West region.

The groups explained that under President Tinubu’s directive, and with the pivotal role played by Defence Minister Matawalle, the country has witnessed a significant transformation in the security landscape, benefiting the lives of countless citizens.

The northern groups, in separate statements issued on Sunday by NAN Chairman, Salihu Suleiman, and AYCF President General, Yerima Shettima, noted that before Matawalle’s relocation to Sokoto, the Northwest was consumed by the terror of banditry and kidnapping, becoming an unfortunate battlefield for both criminals and innocent civilians.

NAN Chairman, Suleiman, said: “The virulent spread of these heinous acts turned our communities into frontline danger zones, leading to a situation where survival was an everyday struggle for our people. However, today, we find ourselves in a vastly improved security atmosphere, which can be attributed to focused efforts at restoring peace and safety to our beloved region. Under Matawalle’s stewardship, we have seen concerted efforts to pin down bandits and dismantle their networks, pushing them into isolated enclaves.

“This has significantly curtailed their reach and influence, allowing our citizens to gradually reclaim their lives and livelihoods. It is therefore important to acknowledge that the resilience and strategic direction provided by Defence Minister Matawalle have been instrumental in advancing the Tinubu administration’s promise of enhanced national security.”

AYCF leader Shettima also stressed the importance of maintaining the progress achieved, stating,”We understand the gravity and implications of living under constant threat, and we realize just how precious this newfound progress is. To those who may dismiss the importance of these developments due to their self-interest in the conflict, we remind them that firsthand experiences must not be oversimplified or underestimated. The peace we are beginning to enjoy is a collective triumph deserving of gratitude and reflection.”

“We extend our heartfelt commendation to our gallant troops, whose bravery and commitment to duty have played an irreplaceable role in this endeavor. Their sacrifices do not go unnoticed, and we applaud the new spirit of cooperation among our security agents that has been fostered under the leadership of President Tinubu and Defence Minister Matawalle. Moreover, we are grateful for the aid and support from our international partners, whose contributions have been vital in fortifying our fight against these insurgent threats.”