A coalition of 774 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has accused a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of being behind recent protests and disturbances aimed at discrediting Bello Mohammed Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence.
According to the group, these demonstrations are part of a politically motivated campaign driven by forces acting on behalf of Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Muhammad Kabiru, the National Secretary of the CSOs, claimed that the protests are part of a targeted effort to undermine Matawalle’s influence and to cast doubts on President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Kabiru emphasized that the unrest has political undertones, with certain factions viewing Matawalle’s influence as a threat to their ambitions.
“Matawalle’s strong leadership and unwavering commitment to national security, especially in Northern Nigeria, have made him a target for those who see his influence as an obstacle,” Kabiru said.
“These protests are a desperate attempt to weaken his credibility and disrupt the stability that the Tinubu administration is striving to build.”
The CSOs emphasized that Matawalle’s continued role in the federal cabinet reflects President Tinubu’s confidence in his performance and contributions to national security. Kabiru also praised President Tinubu for resisting political pressures, allegedly from a PDP faction, to remove Matawalle.
“We commend President Tinubu for his foresight and courage in maintaining Matawalle in his cabinet,” Kabiru said. “While political machinations often overshadow governance, the President’s support for Matawalle sends a clear message that national security should not be compromised for political gain.”
The CSOs urged Matawalle to stay focused on his duties, particularly in addressing security challenges like banditry in Northern Nigeria. They also called on him to maintain his efforts against criminal groups, such as the Lakurawa group, which continue to pose significant threats.
“The recent threats from criminal groups should be met with the same resolve Matawalle has shown in the past,” Kabiru added. “His leadership has been crucial in the fight against insecurity, and we are confident that he will continue to deliver for the people.”
The CSOs further appealed to Northern Nigerian youth to see the larger implications of the protests, urging them to resist divisive tactics that threaten regional unity and national stability.
“We stand in unwavering support of Bello Mohammed Matawalle and call on him to continue his vital work for the security of our communities,” Kabiru concluded.
“We are prepared to mobilize our members and allies in defense of our leaders who prioritize the welfare of the people. Together, we will confront these challenges and ensure that forces of destabilization do not succeed.”
