By Raji Rasak
An NGO, ‘The Egalitarian Africa’, says the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, is fit for the position.
The group, in a statement by its General Secretary, Sunday Akogun, on Tuesday in Lagos, urged President Bola Tinubu to ignore allegations against the minister.
The group’s reaction was in response to the resignation of the erstwhile Defence Minister, Mohammed Badru, and calls in some quarters for Matawalle to also resign.
It stated that Badiru’s resignation should not mean that the minister of state must also resign.
The group maintained: “Those calling for Matawalle’s resignation are doing so for selfish reasons.
“As a former Governor of Zanfara, Matawalle has an edge in knowledge of how to combat banditry.
”Matawalles’s experiences as a governor in a state like Zanfara will be brought to bear in tackling insecurity.
“In battling issues of banditry and other crimes, experience is needed. Not just experience as a security personnel but firsthand as a governor who had dealt with issues of banditry and terrorism.”
The group pointed out that in dealing with appointments on sensitive matters, the Federal Government must remain firm and stand by its convictions about those it appointed.”
According to the group, most appointment in Nigeria are trailed by controversies.
“However, the people must have their say but the government should not be swayed by sentiments engineered by a few people for selfish interests.
“Someone must have gone to great lengths and probably paid so much to bring out a video just for the purpose of ensuring the minister is removed,” it said.
The group said there the need for Nigerians to close ranks and support the Federal Government and its appointees to fight the recurring challenges of insecurity nationwide.
“This is not about title or who gets it. It is about our nation against criminals.
“It is a wake up call to all well meaning Nigerians to support the fight and not to pull people down without asking the necessary questions,” the group added.
It, however, urged the minister to remain focused and to ignore distractions that may affect his performance. (NAN)
