By Linus Aleke, Abuja
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), said that the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle’s remark against Northern Elders Forum (NEF), was not divisive or inappropriate, adding that the Minister’s call for public solidarity with President Tinubu’s administration is both genuine and essential.
National Coordinator, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, said this while addressing a press conference in Abuja.
He 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.
HURIWA, noted that Matawalle emphasized the imperative of 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.
“In reaction to Matawalle’s comments, former senator, Kabiru Marafa demanded an apology, urging the Minister to withdraw his statement, which he (Marafa) described as portraying the NEF as a “burden” and “paperweights”. Marafa argued that Matawalle’s remarks were not reflective of President Tinubu’s position, emphasizing Tinubu’s high regard for Northerners and their leaders,” he recalled.
Onwubiko, also highlighted the significant contributions made by President Tinubu in appointing individuals from the Northern region to key positions in his government.
He said that Matawalle’s advocacy for collective support is a testament to his loyalty to the administration that appointed him.
The Association 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.
“They dismissed the attacks against Matawalle as disguised attempts to undermine the achievements of President Tinubu’s government and urged Nigerians to focus on the collective progress of the nation.
“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,” HURIWA argued.
HURIWA encouraged Minister Matawalle to continue to boldly speak 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.
The organization also urged President Tinubu to take note of the coordinated attacks against his Minister of State for Defence and to remain steadfast in advancing the agenda of his administration.
