The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has issued a strong call to all northern appointees to either show their support for President Bola Tinubu or step down from their positions.
This call to action from Matawalle came after Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, who previously served as the spokesperson for the Northern Elders Forum and currently holds the position of Special Adviser on Political Matters in the Presidency, expressed a differing opinion regarding the Minister’s defense of Tinubu’s administration.
In a recent development, Matawalle publicly criticized the Northern Elders Forum for expressing regret over their support for Tinubu during the 2023 general election. He labeled their actions as a political burden on the North.
However, Baba-Ahmed did not take kindly to Matawalle’s comments and stated that the Minister could have presented a better defense. He emphasized the need to acknowledge the contributions of northern ministers and appointees in improving security and reducing poverty in the region.
In response, Matawalle defended his stance by highlighting the importance of supporting the current administration and protecting it from unwarranted criticism based on ethnic or narrow interests. He stressed the responsibility of every appointee under Tinubu to promote the government’s achievements across all sectors.
Matawalle urged all appointees from the North to take a stand and actively support the administration they serve. He emphasized the need to speak out against intimidation and misrepresentation of President Tinubu’s efforts, stating that silence is not an option.
In conclusion, Matawalle’s message is clear: it is time for northern appointees to show their loyalty to President Tinubu’s administration or make way for others who will. The call for support and unity in promoting the government’s achievements is paramount in these challenging times.
