The Yoruba Youths Council (YYC) has released a statement calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to maintain confidence in Minister of State for Defence Alhaji Bello Matawalle amid recent public criticism.
In a statement issued by President Comrade Eric Oluwole, the organization characterized recent negative commentary about the minister as politically motivated, emerging following the resignation of former Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar for health reasons.
The YYC attributed some of the criticism to political tensions involving Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, described as a political rival of Matawalle. The organization advised the President to remain aware of such dynamics when evaluating the minister’s performance.
The group commended recent presidential initiatives on security reform, including proposals for constitutional amendments to enable state police establishment. The YYC expressed confidence that these measures would contribute to improved national security outcomes.
The organization emphasized the importance of experienced leadership in security matters. With reports indicating that retired General Christopher Musa, former Chief of Defence Staff, is under consideration as the new Defence Minister, the YYC described a potential Musa-Matawalle leadership structure as advantageous for the ministry.
Oluwole referenced previous collaborative efforts between Musa and Matawalle, including joint operations in Sokoto State addressing banditry. The statement highlighted this operational experience as relevant to current security challenges.
According to the YYC, Matawalle’s tenure has coincided with several developments in the security sector. The organization noted military operations in the Northeast and the minister’s involvement in coordinating anti-banditry initiatives in the Northwest, including operations based from the Sokoto 8 Division command.
The statement cited several policy and institutional developments during Matawalle’s tenure, including:
– Progress in domestic defense production through the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON)
– Development of Nigeria’s defense manufacturing capacity, enabling military equipment exports to other African nations
– Implementation of the DICON Act 2023, legislation governing defense industrial operations
– Advocacy for political cohesion in addressing regional security challenges
– Participation in implementing security initiatives aligned with administration objectives
The YYC described effective security management as significant for the administration’s political prospects ahead of the 2027 elections, suggesting that demonstrable progress on security matters would influence public perception.
The organization concluded by recommending continued support for the minister’s role in the administration’s security framework