The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has stepped forward to defend the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, amidst a wave of criticism following his recent remarks concerning the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
At a press conference in Abuja, HURIWA expressed concern that Matawalle’s comments sparked controversy after he advocated for steadfast support for President Tinubu’s administration, particularly from appointees from the Northern region.
Matawalle, in a press statement released on Monday, April 15, 2024, emphasized the importance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointees from the North taking a stand and showing unequivocal support for the administration.
He highlighted that every appointee must promote and defend the government against unjust attacks.
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Speaking at the press conference, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, deemed Matawalle’s stance as not only justified but also necessary for the continuity of developmental efforts initiated by the current administration.
Onwubiko rejected attempts to misconstrue Matawalle’s remarks as divisive, asserting that Matawalle’s call for public solidarity with President Tinubu’s administration is both genuine and essential.
The group said Tinubu appointed individuals from the Northern region to key positions in his government, adding that the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, attested to this fact when he said Tinubu deliberately appointed Northerners into key positions as a commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the North.
“Hence, Matawalle’s call for public solidarity with President Tinubu’s administration is not only commendable but also a genuine advocacy for collective support, extending beyond Northerners in government to all individuals entrusted with national responsibilities by President Tinubu.
“Those who oppose Matawalle’s clear-headed call for 100% loyalty to President Tinubu’s government are, in essence, political adversaries of the President, hiding their disloyalty under the guise of attacking Matawalle,” HURIWA argued.
Moreover, despite the recent criticisms, HURIWA encouraged Matawalle to continue boldly speaking out in support of President Tinubu’s administration, urging all Northerners entrusted with national responsibilities by President Tinubu to heed the call for unity and solidarity.
