The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) and the Northern Awareness Network (NAN) have issued a joint statement reaffirming their support for the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle. In their press release, the organizations addressed what they described as an impending press conference by Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal Dare allegedly designed to call for Matawalle’s dismissal and investigation into his previous gubernatorial tenure.
According to the joint statement, certain “discreet organizations” have been mobilized to present “baseless data” aimed at discrediting the Minister. The youth organizations characterized these efforts as attempts to undermine Matawalle’s contributions to national defense. They described the Minister as a “pivotal ally and strategist” for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the North-West region, whose political influence helps consolidate the administration’s position in that electoral zone.
The AYCF and NAN praised Matawalle’s leadership at the Ministry of Defence, citing his strategic approach to addressing security challenges and promoting collaboration among security agencies. They urged President Tinubu to disregard calls for the Minister’s removal, suggesting that the Governor’s actions stem from concerns over Matawalle’s increasing influence.
The organizations called for unity and vigilance among citizens in the North-West region, emphasizing the need for collective action rather than political division when addressing security challenges. The statement was signed by Yerima Shettima, President General of AYCF, and Salihu Sulaiman, Chairman of NAN.