Arewa groups condemn protest against Matawalle

Northern groups, under the auspices of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) and the Northern Awareness Network (NAN), have asserted that recent protests and disturbances targeting the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, are not merely expressions of dissent but rather aimed at destabilizing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

In a statement, the AYCF, through its President General, Yerima Shettima, noted that this orchestrated campaign is driven by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) acting as a proxy for the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal.

The statement acknowledged that Matawalle has emerged as a strong voice for the President in Northern Nigeria, adding that his commitment to the security and well-being of northern communities has made him a target for those who perceive his influence as a threat.

“The recent protests are a desperate attempt by these perpetrators to undermine his credibility and, by extension, the integrity of President Tinubu’s administration. It is evident that they see Matawalle’s steadfastness and dedication as significant obstacles to their political ambitions, which is why they are determined to orchestrate his downfall.”

It continued, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to retain Matawalle in his cabinet is a powerful endorsement of the Minister’s performance and contributions to national security.”

The AYCF stated, “In an era where political machinations often overshadow genuine governance, President Tinubu has demonstrated remarkable foresight and courage by standing firm with Matawalle despite the relentless challenges posed by the PDP faction, which has been masquerading as the APC Akida.

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“This group, influenced by Governor Dauda Lawal, seeks to exploit the political landscape for their own gain, using misinformation and incitement to create discord,” Shettima added.

The AYCF urged the Minister of State to remain focused and undeterred by these provocations, emphasizing that his track record in combating banditry and ensuring public safety attests to his capabilities and dedication.

In a separate statement, NAN, represented by its Chairman Salihu Suleiman, also condemned the protests, describing them as an affront to democratic integrity and an attempt to undermine the federal government’s significant strides in addressing insecurity in the region.

“The recent protests, characterized by politically charged rhetoric, raise questions about the motivations behind such demonstrations. While dissent is a fundamental aspect of democracy, it becomes problematic when driven by ulterior motives, disguised as grassroots movements,” NAN stated.

Both groups called on stakeholders, particularly the youth of Northern Nigeria, to recognize the broader implications of these protests and disturbances. They emphasized the importance of staying vigilant against divisive tactics aimed at undermining collective progress, adding that the unity of the region and the stability of the nation depend on discerning between genuine grievances and politically motivated attacks.

They reaffirmed their unwavering support for Bello Mohammed Matawalle and urged him to continue his essential work for the security of Northern communities.

“We stand ready to mobilize our members and allies in defense of leaders committed to the welfare of our people. Together, we will confront the challenges ahead and ensure that the forces of destabilization do not prevail,” the groups assured.