Zamfara Former Commissioners Urge Tinubu to Retain Matawalle as Minister of State for Defence
Sidi Ibrahim Kaulahi, Gusau
The Zamfara Former Commissioners Forum, comprising officials who served under ex-Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to retain Matawalle as Minister of State for Defence, insisting that his continued stay in office is crucial to sustaining recent gains against insecurity in Zamfara and the wider North-West.
The group made the appeal on Monday during an emergency press briefing at Darma Hotel in Gusau, where they dismissed what they described as politically motivated calls for Matawalle’s removal.
Addressing journalists, former Commissioner for Information, Hon. Sulaiman Tunau Anka, said the forum would not sit back and allow “unpatriotic politicians and sponsored groups” derail the progress made so far in curbing banditry.
“We strongly draw the attention of Mr. President to reject the recent calls circulating on traditional and social media for the removal of his Minister of State for Defence,” Anka said. “Rejecting those calls will help consolidate the efforts toward ending banditry and other security challenges in Zamfara, the North-West, and beyond.”
He argued that residents of the most vulnerable communities in Zamfara had witnessed “great improvement in security,” contrary to what he described as “empty claims” by Governor Dauda Lawal that his administration is solely responsible for reducing terrorist activities.
Anka accused Governor Lawal of refusing to collaborate with the Defence Ministry, alleging that personal differences with Matawalle have hindered unified efforts against banditry. He added that Matawalle, being a former governor and a native of the state, possesses deep knowledge of local terrains, which has shaped federal security strategies against bandits’ hideouts.
The forum warned that removing Matawalle could embolden criminal groups. “Anything contrary to the current approach being implemented by the Ministry of Defence would create room for terrorists to regroup and resume their operations,” Anka cautioned.
The group also highlighted Matawalle’s contributions at the national level, noting that even while on official duties abroad, he coordinated the rescue and reunion of the 24 abducted students of Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State.
They further praised his international defence engagements, saying partnerships with Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and others have strengthened Nigeria’s military capabilities through improved cooperation and technology transfer.
The forum concluded by commending the synergy between the Minister of Defence and the Minister of State for Defence, stressing that the duo—alongside the former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa—have the capacity to deliver on Nigeria’s security priorities.
“Matawalle’s track record, including his experience as Chairman of the House Committee on Security and Intelligence, makes him an asset in the ongoing fight against insecurity,” the group said.