Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, has urged all northern appointees to either rally behind President Bola Tinubu or resign from their positions.
Matawalle’s call came following a difference in opinion expressed by Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, who serves as the Special Adviser on Political Matters in the Presidency, regarding the Minister’s defense of Tinubu’s administration.
In response to criticism from the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) about their support for Tinubu during the 2023 general election, Matawalle rebuked the NEF, labeling their stance as a political burden on the North.
This led to a disagreement with Baba-Ahmed, who believed Matawalle’s criticism was misguided and could have been presented more effectively.
However, Matawalle defended his stance, emphasizing that as appointees of the current administration, it is crucial to work towards its success and shield it from unwarranted criticism based on ethnic or narrow interests.
He stressed the responsibility of every appointee under Tinubu to promote and showcase the government’s achievements across all sectors.
Matawalle warned that silence or acquiescence in the face of intimidation or misrepresentation is unacceptable, urging appointees to demonstrate loyalty or make room for others who will support the government’s agenda.
