The Northern Awareness Network, NAN, and the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum, AYCF, have advocated for the continued presence of Bello Matawalle as the Minister of State for Defence in Tinubu’s cabinet, emphasizing that his leadership has been instrumental in achieving significant advancements in the fight against insecurity.
In statements issued by their respective leaders, Salihu Suleiman for NAN and Yerima Shettima for AYCF, they noted the transformation in the security landscape under President Tinubu’s directive and Minister Matawalle’s pivotal role.
“Prior to Matawalle’s relocation to Sokoto, the North-West was engulfed by the terror of banditry and kidnapping, turning our communities into battlegrounds for criminals and innocent civilians alike,” they remarked.
“The rampant spread of these heinous acts made survival an everyday struggle for our people. Today, however, we enjoy a vastly improved security atmosphere, thanks to focused efforts to restore peace and safety to our region. Under Matawalle’s leadership, there have been concerted efforts to track down bandits and dismantle their networks, pushing them into isolated enclaves.”
The groups highlighted that this transformation has significantly curtailed the influence of bandits, allowing citizens to gradually reclaim their lives and livelihoods.
Suleiman emphasized that the resilience and strategic direction provided by Minister Matawalle have been crucial in fulfilling the Tinubu administration’s promise of enhanced national security.
Shettima echoed these sentiments, stating that as residents of the North, they understand the gravity of living under constant threat and appreciate the precious progress made in recent times.
“To those who may overlook these developments due to personal interests in the conflict, we remind them that the realities we face should not be oversimplified or underestimated. The peace we are beginning to experience is a collective achievement deserving of gratitude and reflection,” he asserted.
The groups also commended the bravery and commitment of the nation’s troops, acknowledging their irreplaceable role in this endeavor.
They praised the new spirit of cooperation among security agencies fostered under the leadership of President Tinubu and Minister Matawalle, as well as the support from international partners crucial to strengthening their fight against insurgent threats.
While celebrating these achievements, NAN and AYCF emphasized that the journey toward lasting peace is far from complete.
They urged President Tinubu to retain Mohammed Matawalle in his critical role as Defence Minister, stressing that his continued leadership is essential for navigating the complexities of this ongoing battle and ensuring effective resource utilization.
Shettima concluded, “Victory in this fight will only be realized through a full cessation of hostilities, disarmament, demobilization, and the reintegration of former combatants within the region. These steps are vital for restoring long-term peace and stability to our communities. We must work collaboratively with all stakeholders, focusing our efforts on building a harmonious society where security is a permanent state for all Nigerians.”
The AYCF called on all stakeholders, including community leaders and citizens, to support ongoing military operations and cooperate with authorities in the pursuit of lasting peace. “Together, we can overcome the challenges ahead and secure a brighter future for our children and generations to come,” they affirmed.
(Vanguard)
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