A coalition of concerned citizens from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to retain Dr. Bello Matawalle as Minister of State for Defence, amid growing speculation of an impending cabinet reshuffle.
In a statement issued by the group’s National Coordinator, Abubakar Mansur, and shared with journalists in Abuja, the concerned citizens emphasized Matawalle’s significant contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s security, particularly in the northern region, which has been severely impacted by insurgency and instability for years.
The group also commended Matawalle’s proactive approach in reshaping the country’s defence strategies, asserting that previous administrations had struggled to achieve such progress.
“We must acknowledge the commendable efforts of esteemed public servants like Minister Matawalle, whose dedication to fortifying the nation’s security has brought about significant improvements,” Mansur stated.
The appeal comes at a time when the government is reportedly reviewing the performance of its ministers, with a potential reshuffling of key cabinet positions on the horizon.
According to the group, Nigeria’s security situation has seen considerable improvement under Matawalle’s leadership.
Mansur further noted that the nation is “in safer hands” now compared to the state of insecurity experienced four to six years ago.
The group also cautioned against the politicization of the country’s security advancements, stressing that the fight against insurgency requires ongoing commitment and should not be compromised by political agendas.
“What he is doing is not child’s play. He means business, and we are seeing the results,” Mansur added, even as he emphasized Matawalle’s dedication to his role in the defence ministry.
On the security challenges in the country, especially in the northern region, the concerned citizens opined that maintaining effective and experienced leadership like Matawalle’s is essential for preserving stability and ensuring long-term success in the fight against insecurity.
