Association Endorses Defense Ministers, Exposes Alleged Campaign Against Badaru, Matawalle

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Association of Concerned Citizens across Nigeria’s Six Geo-Political Zones has unequivocally thrown its support behind Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, and Defense Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle.

Addressing the press in Abuja yesterday, Northwest representative, Comrade Muh’d Zaharaddeen, officially endorsed both ministers, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to retain them.

The group denounced what they deemed a malicious campaign against the defense ministers by the Zamfara state government, led by Governor Dauda Lawal.

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 7 million Naira.

He said, “ Therefore, in this case, I wish to present to you a proposal that was leaked because some of us are, as I’ve said earlier, were contacted to indulge in today’s campaign, So this letter was leaked and I’m 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 do this work was budgeted. And it was estimated to roughly about 7 million Naira 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.

“Honourable Minister Bello and his colleagues have been doing a good job in my region,” stated Hamza, urging any sponsored group to drop their sentiments and support the ministers to address insecurity challenges in the country.

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.

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.