Matawalle defends Tinubu: “The North has a leader, not a liability”

Gbolahan Salman Sokototo

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has fiercely defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against accusations of neglecting Northern Nigeria, declaring the President as a strategic asset whose leadership is yielding visible results across the region.

In a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Political Affairs, Hon. Ibrahim Danmaliki Gidan Goga, the former Zamfara State Governor described recent criticisms of Tinubu’s northern agenda as politically motivated and lacking substance.

“President Tinubu is not a liability; he is the North’s opportunity. His administration is addressing security head-on, rebuilding key infrastructure, and restoring hope where it was fading,” Matawalle stated.

He accused certain political figures of spreading falsehoods out of frustration over being sidelined from power, adding that many of these critics had their chance to lead but failed to deliver.

“These are individuals who squandered their mandates when they were in office. Today, they seek sympathy by attacking the President with propaganda and crocodile tears,” he said.

Matawalle pointed to major federal projects in the North, such as the ongoing Zaria-Gusau-Talata Mafara-Sokoto expressway and the re-awarded Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway, as proof of Tinubu’s tangible commitment to regional development.

“These projects were ignored for years. Under President Tinubu, they are not only back on track—they are progressing,” he added.

On security, the Minister highlighted the gains made through Operation Fansan Yamma, noting that over 65 notorious bandit leaders have been neutralized, hundreds of their fighters eliminated, and over 200 camps destroyed in recent months.

“Our gallant security forces, empowered by presidential backing, have achieved what once seemed impossible. The peace witnessed during Ramadan and Sallah celebrations across the North is not coincidental—it is the outcome of strategic governance,” he stressed.

He challenged Tinubu’s critics to reflect on their own legacies rather than cast aspersions on a government delivering results.

“Where were they when bandits ravaged communities? Instead of helping, they remained in comfort, detached from the pain of the people. Now, they pretend to care to win cheap popularity,” Matawalle said.

Calling for unity, the minister urged Northern stakeholders to rise above political games and support the federal government’s efforts.

“This is the time to consolidate on progress, not be distracted by those who thrive on division. We must rally behind President Tinubu for a stronger, safer, and more prosperous North,” he concluded