Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, has refuted claims portraying President Bola Tinubu as a political liability to Northern Nigeria, describing such assertions as unfounded and politically driven.
In a statement released on Friday by his Special Assistant on Political Affairs, Ibrahim Goga, the former Zamfara State Governor affirmed that President Tinubu is “an asset to the North and the nation,” pointing to his administration’s achievements in security, infrastructure, and national cohesion.
“President Tinubu has shown unwavering commitment to tackling the region’s challenges,” Matawalle said, adding that those criticizing him are doing so out of desperation, having failed in their own political ambitions.
He accused some northern political elites of orchestrating misinformation to cover up their underperformance and exclusion from the current government.
“These individuals had their chance to lead but left nothing of substance. Now they seek public sympathy through lies and pretended concern,” he stated.
Matawalle commended the Tinubu administration’s security gains, highlighting Operation Fansan Yamma, which he said has led to the elimination of over 65 notorious bandit leaders and the destruction of 200 terrorist camps. He noted that the recent Easter and Ramadan periods were among the most peaceful in years across many northern communities.
On infrastructure, he cited the revival of long-abandoned projects like the Zaria-Gusau-Talata Mafara-Sokoto expressway and the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway as evidence of Tinubu’s dedication to Northern development.
“President Tinubu’s commitment is clear through these revived projects, which critics conveniently ignore because they don’t align with their agenda,” he said.
Urging Northerners to reject divisive politics, Matawalle called for unity and support for the President.
“We must work together for peace, progress, and a secure future. The North has more to gain through collective support for capable leadership,” he concluded.
