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Matawalle lauds Tinubu’s reforms in north, deflates Babachir Lawal’s criticism.
By Idris Isah
Minister of State for Defense, Dr. Bello Matawalle has viewed Dr. Babachir Lawal’s outburst against president Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s 2027 ambition as unwarranted and in conflict with the ongoing reforms in the northern part of the country.
In a statement made available to the Capital Post, Dr Matawalle regarded Lawal’s criticism as an act of dishonesty and disregard to the improved security to persons and properties and agricultural transformation in Livestock value chain in the north.
He promised that Tinubu’s ongoing positive reforms in security, Empowerment through agriculture, now guaranteeing food security, among others, are catalysts for Tinubu’s victory in his 2027 Presidential ambition.
Matawalle said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has been in office for just 19 months, has made significant contributions to all regions of Nigeria, including the North. The people of the North will rally behind Mr. President to build upon the achievements and reforms he has initiated.”
While highlighting key areas of President Tinubu’s impactful reforms, that includes infrastructures with network of roads, improved transportation, Local Government Autonomy heralding grassroots development, creation of new Ministry of Livestock Development to tap North’s agricultural potential, empowering millions of people, presently withness falling food prices in markets, he added”This initiative is expected to transform rural communities and contribute to food Security..”
In area of security, Matawalle noted, ” the establishment of the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell (MAAKFC) in December 2024, in collaboration with the UK’s National Crime Agency, has enhanced strategic coordination in the fight against kidnapping.
“In 2024, Nigerian Security Forced neutralized over 8,000 terrorists and bandits, arrested 11,600 criminals, and recovered more than 10,000 weapons. This robust action has significantly improved security across the North. The successful rescue of approximately 8,000 kidnap victims underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all citizens.
While calling on all electorates in the north and Nigeria at large to cue solidly behind president Tinubu, Matawalle urged critics like Lawal to evaluate President Tinubu’s scorecard objectively rather than dismissing his efforts, adding “It is essential for us in the North to assess the tangible benefits of the President’s reforms. The cries of dissent should not overshadow the progress being made,” he stated.
Dr. Matawalle therefore reaffirmed the Northern region’s commitment to the Tinubu administration. ” Our support for President Tinubu is unwavering and unshakeable. We stand firmly behind his vision for a prosperous and secure Nigeria.
Dr. Matawalle emphasized ‘The North remains steadfast in its support for President Tinubu. Any insinuation to the contrary is a deliberate attempt to sow discord and undermine our national security.
