The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle MON, remains resolutely committed to the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, with a focus on fortifying national security through decisive action against terrorism and violent insurgency, as well as strengthening Nigeria’s armed forces, the Arewa Youth Awareness Movement (AYAM) has stated.
In a statement issued to the press on Sunday, and signed by its Team Lead, Jamilu Bawa, the group expressed concern over what it described as a concerted effort by opposition forces across the nation to malign and undermine the Minister in a bid to derail his dedicated service to the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Renewed Hope agenda.
The group stated that these opposition elements were disseminating falsehoods in a calculated attempt to tarnish the Minister’s reputation and divert his focus from his critical duties.
“In recent months, we have observed a deliberate campaign by certain opposition elements to spread fabricated stories about Dr. Bello Matawalle MON through online media platforms. These stories, ranging from absurd claims of property ownership to the circulation of a baseless video involving a terrorist, are nothing but malicious falsehoods aimed at discrediting the Minister,” the statement read.
“We recognize these spurious narratives as strategic maneuvers designed to distract Dr. Matawalle from his pivotal role as Minister of State for Defence. It is a tactic aimed at weakening the President’s administration by targeting one of its most formidable supporters, thereby leaving the President vulnerable to further attacks and misrepresentation by the opposition.”
The group emphasized that Dr. Matawalle is among the few prominent Northern leaders who have consistently defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against his detractors, stating that his unwavering support has been evident not only in his public affiliation with the administration but also, crucially, in his effective leadership within his Ministry.
“There is no doubt that the falsehoods propagated by the likes of Jackson Ude and Sahara Reporters are part of a larger scheme to undermine one of the President’s most dedicated Ministers and hinder his steadfast commitment to the success of the Tinubu administration.”
The Arewa Youth Awareness Movement further noted that under the stewardship of Dr. Matawalle, Nigeria’s armed forces have witnessed significant improvements in morale, resources, and patriotic zeal, thereby enhancing their capacity to serve the nation selflessly.
“Under the current administration, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Ministry of Defence has exceeded expectations. Reports of terrorist activities have decreased by over 60% since Dr. Matawalle assumed office,” the group stated.
“Dr. Bello Matawalle has prioritized ensuring that our troops receive world-class training and state-of-the-art equipment. Under his watch, complaints about inadequate food or unpaid allowances among the troops have become a thing of the past. Furthermore, there is now greater coordination in intelligence gathering and dissemination, leading to more effective operational responses.”
The group urged the Minister to remain focused and undeterred by the relentless efforts of opposition elements, who it accused of being “determined to frustrate his office and tarnish his impeccable record in public service.”
AYAM also called on Nigerians to exercise patience and continue supporting the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, assuring that the President has initiated essential reforms that will yield long-term benefits for the nation.