From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has defended the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, for describing the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) as a political ‘burden’ to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
HURIWA’s National Coordinator Emmanuel Onwubiko in a statement yesterday wondered why Matawalle’s comments sparked controversy after he advocated steadfast support for President Tinubu’s administration, particularly from appointees from the Northern region.
Onwubiko said there was nothing wrong with the remarks of the former Zamfara State governor as he only opined collective solidarity and unwavering loyalty to the government’s initiatives aimed at advancing the nation’s interests.
“Minister 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,” he said.
He referenced the recent remarks made by the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, regarding President Tinubu’s deliberate appointment of Northerners into key positions as a commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the North, indicating a genuine concern for the region’s welfare.
“It is imperative to highlight the key facts noted by the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, regarding President Tinubu’s deliberate appointment of Northerners into key positions. Ribadu’s remarks, delivered during a lecture as part of the activities marking the 38th, 39th, 40th, and 41st combined convocation of Usmanu Danfordiyo University, Sokoto, underscore President Tinubu’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the North, ranging from insecurity to poverty.
“President Tinubu’s strategic appointments reflect his determination to ensure that these issues are squarely addressed, demonstrating his genuine concern for the welfare of the region and the nation as a whole.
“Hence, Minister 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 Minister 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,” he argued.