Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has dismissed claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a political liability to Northern Nigeria, asserting that the President remains committed to addressing the region’s numerous challenges.

In a statement which Hon. Ibrahim Danmaliki Gidan Goga, his Senior Aide on Politics, issued on his behalf, Matawalle stated that Nigeria’s democracy under President Tinubu is more stable than ever.

He said those campaigning against him were using propaganda and falsehoods to seek political relevance and sympathy.

“Our people in the North are wise enough not to be misled by individuals who have failed to secure their political future.

“These are people who once held power but failed to make a meaningful impact, and now, they resort to mischief to stay relevant,” he said.

He emphasised the need for unity and support for President Tinubu, particularly in the fight against insecurity in the region.

“We must not allow ourselves to be manipulated into becoming part of the problem. Instead, we must rally behind the President to ensure lasting peace and development in the North,” he noted.

Matawalle accused certain political elites of circulating misinformation due to their frustration over being excluded from political appointments.

“These individuals are not to be trusted with our future. When given the mandate in the past, they squandered it, and now they blame others for their failures,” Matawalle recalled.

He lauded President Tinubu’s commitment to restoring peace and improving infrastructure in the North, citing the success of Operation Fansan Yamma and other security efforts.

“Our gallant military and police forces, supported by the President’s strategy, have recorded breakthroughs against criminal elements. Over 65 known dangerous bandit leaders were eliminated, and as a result, hundreds of their foot soldiers were killed and 200 camps destroyed within the shortest period,” he said.

Matawalle also faulted some critics of the federal government for their unjustified criticisms, accusing them of political hypocrisy.

He asked, “Where were they when our people were being killed and displaced by bandits? Instead of providing solutions, succour, and support or visiting affected communities, they enjoyed luxury above sympathy.

“Now, they go around shedding crocodile tears to gain cheap popularity behind people they abandoned.”

Matawalle said part of President Tinubu’s efforts include building a prosperous nation with unity and cohesion among all.

He highlighted the peaceful Ramadan and Sallah celebrations across many parts of the North, attributing it to improved security under Tinubu’s leadership.

“There were significantly fewer reports of bandit attacks and kidnappings. People were reported going about their businesses in many states during the blessed month. This shows the President’s efforts are working, yet his critics remain silent on these successes.”

Matawalle also pointed to significant progress in infrastructure projects, such as the ongoing multi-billion naira Zaria-Gusau-Talata Mafara-Sokoto expressway construction and the re-awarded Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway, among other federal government initiatives in the North.

“These are major projects that were either ignored or abandoned for years. Now, they are being revived and executed under President Tinubu. Yet, some elites are bent on ignoring these achievements to paint a negative picture.”

He reassured Nigerians, especially Northerners, that President Tinubu is committed to ensuring peace, development, and a secure future for all.