A group, Northern Integrity and Security Forum (NISF) has described recent remarks by former Foreign Affairs Minister and former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, allegedly calling for the removal of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle as an unfortunate....READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE ▶▶
Lamido was said to have made the call following the abduction of the Emir of Gobir of Gatawa District in Sokoto state, Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa and his son.
The statement by the group which was signed by the Chairman,Tijjani Auwalu said, it was crucial to affirm that while the situation in Sokoto and other parts of Northern Nigeria is of utmost concern, the challenges faced are national in scale, engulfing various facets of the country society.
It stressed that Lamido’s attempt to limit Matawalle’s responsibilities solely to Sokoto or the North is a gross misrepresentation of the reality that security is an ongoing national issue, requiring collective efforts and shared accountability across government tiers.
“The timing and target of Lamido’s critique raise significant questions regarding his underlying motives. It is disconcerting that Lamido chose to single out Matawalle, a junior minister, while overlooking Badaru Abubakar, the senior Defence Minister, who coincidentally shares the same home state of Jigawa with Lamido.
“We must ask: why direct unrelenting attacks towards a loyal ally of President Tinubu, while seemingly absolving a senior counterpart? Such selective criticism indicates a strategic maneuver aimed at undermining the political framework supporting our President, rather than a genuine concern for the nation’s security.
“Moreover, the contrasting nature of Lamido’s recent expressions of empathy for a singular Emir in captivity stands in stark contradiction to his silence throughout the years of suffering endured by ordinary Zamfara communities and other ordinary Nigerians.
“Thousands of people have fallen victim to heinous acts of abduction, torture, extortion, and displacement over the past two decades and the absence of Lamido’s voice in addressing these widespread tragedies all this while raises concerns about his commitment to empathy and meaningful advocacy for the Nigerian people.
“The growing panic among certain political figures, including those aligned with Lamido, reflects a desperate attempt to destabilize the current administration as these investigations unfold.
“It bears noting that the relentless criticism directed at Matawalle is indicative of a concerted effort by a faction of inconsequential northern politicians to weaken the integrity and growing influence of President Tinubu in the North.
” Matawalle’s unwavering allegiance to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu embodies the support necessary for a resilient governance and political structure. Hence, these attacks serve as a testament to Matawalle’s reliability and dependability, which must be subdued if these politicians wish to see President Tinubu rendered vulnerable.
“We solemnly caution that in the fullness of time, the extent of involvement of several figures in the crimes of Bashir Hadejiya would be exposed. The ongoing investigation into Bashir Hadejiya’s criminal activities will inevitably blow open the cover of those whose actions contradict their public persona.
“We therefore urged President Tinubu to remain steadfast and resolute against attempts to incite division within his solid support base in the North.The loyalty embodied by figures such as Minister Matawalle, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Director-General of the Department of State Services, Yusuf Bichi, is indispensable to the integrity of the current administration and national security.
“We stand firm in our commitment to supporting our President’s efforts of fortifying the Northern region’s security and integrity. We shall not waver in promoting a united front against any efforts to undermine our collective strength in pursuing a safer and more prosperous Nigeria”. The statement said.
