Rivers state Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has debunked claims suggesting that he is in a frosty relationship with the State’s Lawmakers.
The Source reports that speculations have been rife, recently, about the high possibilities of the pro-Nyesom Wike Legislators and Governor Fubara once again finding themselves in the trenches barely three months after resumption from the emergency rule.
The crisis of confidence between the two arms of Government fueled by the alleged overbearing attitude of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, resulted in the disruption of democratic order in the state between March 18 and September 18, 2025, following the declaration of a six month emergency rule by President Bola Tinubu.
The parties in the political face-off have been labouring to observe a nebulous peace agreement packaged by the Presidency towards the twilight of the emergency rule.
But much as they try to cover the resurgence of the smearing battle, evidence continues to point to a house still at war with itself, with not a few fearing that the bubble may soon burst.
The apprehension was somewhat accentuated late last week with the defection of 16 members of the State Assembly from the Peoples Democratic party PDP to the All Progressive Congress APC.
However, Governor Fubara while reacting to the development on Wednesday insisted that claims of a rift between him and the Legislators are unfounded and baseless.
Speaking at the occasion of the commissioning of the dualized 28- kilometer Ahoada/ Omoku Road, the Governor noted that contrary to widespread insinuations, he maintains and enjoy a robust relationship with the House members.
Similarly, he emphasized that efforts are underway to arrange a meeting between him and the Lawmakers on one hand, and other relevant stakeholders in the Rivers state project.
According to him, any one and group alleging that he has been avoiding a meeting with the Lawmakers is only standing truth on its head.
“The plan is for my predecessor the FCT Minister, together with elder statesman Ferdinand Alabraba ,as well as other leaders to convene a meeting for all of us to discuss.
“So anyone alleging that I declined to meet with the Lawmakers or rejected proposals relating to them, is not telling the truth” Fubara stated.
This is as he reiterated that his decision to join forces with the APC was borne out of the need to protect the interests of the people as well as restore peace and stability in the state.
It will be recalled that the Governor had, on Tuesday, December 9, formally announced his resignation from his original political platform-PDP, and defection to the APC.
The decision came just two days after meeting with President Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa.
Former Chairman of Kano State Public Complaints and Anti Corruption Commission, (PCACC), Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado has said that corruption cannot be fought effectively when law enforcement agents are compromised by the same corrupt politicians who have no respect for accountability.
He spoke as a Keynote Speaker on the Topic ; Youth as Catalyst of Integrity: Building a Corruption Free Future for Nigeria, at the Public Presentation of the 19th Edition of the Compendium on 100 Profile Corruption Cases in Nigeria held in Lagos.
The event was organised by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda, (HEDA Resource Centre) in partnership with local and international groups to mark this year’s international anti-corruption day celebration.
The theme of the conference was Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity.
He was of the opinion that the fight against corruption in Nigeria is as dangerous as fighting armed Colombian drug cartels.
Mr Rimi Gado also warned that the increase in violence and banditry in the North is partly linked to the naked abuse and stealing of public funds by corrupt officials, whose self-serving policies create a stagnant pool of poverty and human misery from which criminals find many potential recruits.
He pointed out that it was when he started investigating corruption petitions, doing his statutory duties, that he discovered the suspect companies were linked to his former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
The anti-corruption crusader stated that his experience while investigating an avalanche of corruption cases in Kano indicated that corrupt politicians are like cancerous ailments that should be removed through a painful but necessary surgical operation before Nigeria can reclaim her pride in the comity of nations.
According to him, Nigerians should explore democratic opportunities to the brim by casting their votes against a league of corrupt elite that have sold the birthrights of the people.
“The cases I started investigating in Kano involved billions of public funds diverted by public officials. They are desperate to kill in order to sit on stolen funds. They are as dangerous as drug cartels in Colombia. Fighting them is like fighting drug lords.”
“The Medlein Cartel led by Pablo Escobar and the Cali Cartel dominated cocaine trafficking leading Columbia to vast illicit wealth of the few whose crime promoted corruption, violence, mass public revenge and prolonged bloody gun fights with the authorities.
“The PCACC was established in April 2005 to fight corruption in Kano State
Rimin Gado revealed that some policemen are currently being used against him by powerful, but stupendously corrupt politicians who feed on the misery of the toiling masses.
“I was given fiat by attorney general to prosecute allegation of offense against the laws of Kano State, why arresting me for doing what I have legal duty to do? Why not arrest the state if they can?
“The police have no legal or moral reasons to enquire about what is already before the Court of Law especially a criminal matter which the court had already taken cognizance of.”
Rimin Gado said from his experience in Kano, corrupt politicians are as vicious as the world’s most violent drug lords who are prepared to kill and burn the country down than to face justice or give up their crime.
He maintained that prosperity and development in Nigeria would remain stunted as long as corrupt actors dominate the political economy.
Almost one year after, the Anambra State Police Command, on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, announced the arrest of the prime suspect and leader of a notorious criminal syndicate behind the abduction and gruesome murder of Anambra State Lawmaker, Hon Justice Azuka.
The suspect, 26 year old Ugochukwu Uzor, according to the Police was on Monday, December 8, 2025, intercepted during an intelligence-driven and coordinated operation by operatives in Iyowa Odekpe, Ogbaru Local Council of the State.
The Source reports that late Hon Azuka that represented Onitsha North 1 Constituency at the Anambra’ state House of Assembly was on December 24, 2024 kidnapped on his way home .
His decomposing remains were unfortunately recovered close to the Second Niger Bridge ,a few weeks after his abduction.
A statement from the Police Command spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, on Wednesday, informed that Uzor was seized after a fierce gun battle with Police personnel.
A Locally made Beretta pistol and eleven rounds of live ammunition were recovered from the suspect , according to the police.
The police authorities described Uzor as the leader of several criminal syndicates involved in armed robbery, vehicle snatching , kidnapping and other criminal activities within Anambra’ state and neighborhouring states
Upon interrogation, Uzor confessed to playing a role in the abduction and subsequent murder of Hon Azuka, the police spokesperson noted .
According to the Police,the prime suspect, as at the time of his arrest ,had on some parts of his body distinctive tattoos with different inscriptions such as ” No Forgiveness” ,No Mercy”, a development which operatives pointed to as a clear testimonial to his ruthless and criminal tendencies.
This is as Ikenga described Uzor’s apprehension as a significant breakthrough in the concerted efforts at dismantling criminal networks in Anambra’ state
The statement also assured of the Command’s commitment towards ensuring a thorough investigation of Uzor’s suspected criminal syndicates with a view to arresting other members still at large.
Army neutralises Bello Turji’s ally, Kallamu in Sokoto
By Akinwale Kasali
The Nigeria Army has recorded another superb feat as it crushed notorious Bandit Commander, Kachalla Kallamu, in the Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The 8th Division of the Nigeria Army neutralized the Bandit Warlord who has been a threat, and operating in the Northern Part of the country.
The elimination of the criminal kingpin was described as “a significant victory in the ongoing war against terrorism and banditry in the Northwest.”
Kallamu is said to be one of the most trusted Lieutenants of the infamous terror leader, Bello Turji, was taken down in a coordinated offensive carried out by gallant troops of the 8 Division, working in synergy with local vigilante teams.
It was gathered that Kallamu, a native of Garin-Idi in Sabon Birni, was neutralised alongside one of the Late Turji’s top logistics suppliers in the early hours of Monday during a decisive sweep around Kurawa village.
The mission, described as swift and precise, is said to have crippled a critical supply chain sustaining terror activities in the axis.
He has, for long, been a nightmare to residents within the eastern Sokoto corridor.
His deadly operations allegedly left numerous communities in fear, forcing mass displacement and continued insecurity.
Intelligence Reports indicate that he resurfaced in the region after fleeing a previous military heat in June 2025, during which he reportedly took refuge in Kogi State to evade arrest and accountability.
Residents across Sabon Birni have expressed relief with the crushing of the notorious Bandit kingpin, while the Special Adviser on Security to Governor Ahmad Aliyu, retired Colonel Ahmad Usman, reportedly joined citizens in celebrating what many described as a long-awaited justice for innocent victims of banditry in the state.
South West Leaders under the aegis of South-West Security Stakeholders Summit, have thrown their weight behind the proposed death sentence placed on Kidnappers, their Accomplices and Informants by the Senate. They said it would further address the spate of insecurity bedeviling the country.
The Leaders also supported the call for State Police and described it as a panacea in tackling the multifaceted Security issues in the country.
In a Communique by the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, Prof Kolawole Raheem and Amitolu Shittu, during a Summit which theme was: ‘Towards A United Front Against Insecurity in Yorubaland’ held at the 10 Degrees Event Centre in Lagos, the leaders said they were committed to addressing the multifaceted security challenges confronting communities in the region.
The Yoruba Leaders pledged to foster a coordinated and inclusive approach to crime prevention, conflict resolution, and the restoration of peace and order across Yorubaland.
They observed that “there is an unrelenting attempt by the Jihadists to complete the conquest of sub-Saharan West Africa, which they started in the 1800s by violent conquest.”
In addition, they said: “Kidnapping and banditry in Nigeria is a hydra-headed monster that feeds various interpretations but ultimately serves the purpose of instilling fear in the people, accumulating funds and resources for levying war, ethnic cleansing and takeover of our arable and mineral-rich ancestral lands by Fulani jihadists.”
The Communique by the Leaders also called for the establishment of State Police and tasked South West governors to establish a talent-based global volunteer programme.
The Communique reads:
“There should be immediate, fast-tracked establishment of state police in all states in the southwest and all other states based on public recruitment of indigenous people, especially from organisations with track records in security and public safety.
“The state police in Yorubaland should be organised and empowered based on a balanced architecture that blends culturally grounded methods (particularly at the rank and file level and rural areas) with emerging technologies, including drones, UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), remote surveillance tools, and other lawful modern security assets.
“South-West governments should establish a talent-based global volunteer programme by creating specialised units within state police that allow Yoruba professionals across the world to volunteer and contribute in structured (with reasonable guardrails), merit-based roles. This will enable the design of a rigorous, vetted pathway that admits only qualified and trustworthy individuals to contribute in areas of strategic regional interests and pain points while expanding our technical capacity.
“Governments in Yorubaland should embark on a deliberate and structured strengthening of welfare and institutional support for local operatives. Beyond issuing formal letters and ensuring pension, life insurance, and rank progression, it may be beneficial to create an independent Security Welfare Fund supported by citizens and the diaspora.
“There is a need to create a non-partisan, non-profit project under the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, DAWN, that strictly caters for the complementary welfare of the operatives.
“There should be an immediate and total ban on open grazing in all Yorubaland. Transportation of cattle interstate and between communities should be by vehicles like pickup trucks, articulated vehicles and rail.
“All state governments in Yorubaland should put in place legislation enabling the establishment of cattle ranches as the main model for meat and dairy production in the South-West, with provision for the Bank of Agriculture to support private investors in this regard.
“The Federal Government should commence the building of protective fences and walls along the borders with Niger, Chad, Cameroon and the Benin Republic.
“We support fully any foreign assistance that would help Nigeria to crush the kidnappers, bandits and terrorists ravaging our land, provided the terms are clear and Nigeria’s sovereignty and international laws and rules of engagement are respected.
“We call on all Yoruba people, particularly youth in various communities under the leadership of their traditional rulers, to fully support and cooperate with the security agencies and other forces involved in the ongoing counter-offensive against the bandits, kidnappers, jihadists and other criminal elements.
“South-West governors should liaise with traditional rulers and leaders of Yoruba-speaking people in Kwara and Kogi states for necessary assistance on security issues.
“For traditional rulers to effectively perform their customary roles in intelligence gathering and control within their domains, it is important to invest them with constitutional responsibilities.”
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun state was on Wednesday declared the Accord party governorship candidate after a through screening by the party in Osogbo, the state’s capital.
The state governorship election is slated for August 8, 2026.
With the development, the party has scaled the December 15 deadline set by INEC for political parties to pick their candidates for the next governorship election in the state. The governors is seeking a re-election under the party’s platform after defecting from the PDP, his former party.
The magazine had earlier reported that Governor Adeleke defected to the Accord party on Tuesday, barely one week after he dumped the PDP citing the leadership crisis rocking the party.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, quoting a statement by the chairman of the party’s screening committee and National Organising Secretary of the party, Ibe Thankgod, the governor has met all the requirements for nomination and was subsequently cleared as the sole aspirant for the party’s governorship ticket.
ThankGod said Governor Adeleke is the only candidate that can lead the party to victory in the 2026 governorship election in the state.
After defecting to Accord on Tuesday, Adeleke said his action has the support of the people of the state, saying the party’s mission “aligns with our passionate focus on citizens” welfare.
Adeleke: “I joined the Accord Party more than a month ago, precisely on November 6, as a platform to seek re-election in 2026. This was after weeks of consultation and deliberations with stakeholders and opinion leaders.
“Stakeholders and residents of Osun state are aware of why we are taking this important decision.
“We intend to pursue a second term in office on the platform of the Accord Party to complete ongoing delivery of good governance and democratic dividends, which have been applauded at home and abroad.
“We opted for the Accord Party because its mission of welfarism aligns with our passionate focus on citizens’ and workers’ welfare.
“I welcome our party leaders into the Osun State Government House. You are now part of us, as I am also now part of you. We are united in progress and good intentions for the good people of Osun State and Nigeria at large.
“At this historical point, our task is to sustain a united front as we prepare for the elections. We have a duty to ensure an inclusive leadership where the interests of all groups are cared for.
“Our party, Accord Party, is here to take over Osun governance and sustain the delivery of good governance in our dear state.
“Since I joined the party more than a month ago, I have been fascinated by the philosophy of this great party. The focus on people’s welfare should always be at the heart of public leadership. The primary essence of a government is the welfare and well-being of the people.
“As a governor, I have prioritised the welfare of our people, from workers to the entire citizenry. Day and night, we implement policies and programmes to elevate the well-being of our people. From infrastructure to social services, Osun has never had it so good in governance and service delivery
“Today, we unveil the new platform for the good people of Osun state. From Osun West to Osun East to Osun Central, this is our party, our new platform for victory come August next year.
“From Igbomina to Ijeshaland to Ifeland to Osogbo to Iwoland to Modakeke to Gbongan to Igbajo to Ikire to Ikirun to Ede and other lands of Osun state, we must thumb up according to our collective desires for good governance.
“Osun voted for good governance in 2022 and they will support continuity in 2026. The mass of our people are for continuity and Accord is our party for victory next year.
“In accordance with the will of our stakeholders and to accord deep respect for the wishes of Osun people, I hereby accordingly declare for the Accord Party”, the governor stated.
After he was granted an administrative bail a few days ago, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has finally detained former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN.
Malami served under the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s Government, but since May 2023 when the tenure of Buhari’s successor, President Bola Tinubu began, he has had an untidy relationship with the Federal Government to the extent that he quit from the All Progressives Congress, APC, and joined the African Democratic Congress, ADC.
About a couple of weeks ago when he was first invited by the EFCC, he publicised the invitation, and promised to make his interactions with the anti-corruption body public.
In keeping with his promise, after he was released same day, he celebrated it publicly and said the truth was gradually, but finally, coming out. But, he never disclosed that his travel documents were impounded.
However, on Tuesday when he visited the EFCC again, he was not that lucky to walk out after his interactions with operatives. He was detained, but would, however be freed if he meets his bail conditions which are, allegedly, stringent, based on the serious allegations levelled against him.
Stashed against him, according to reports, are allegations of terrorism financing, money laundering, operation of suspicious accounts, explanation for his investment of about N10billion in Kebbi State, the whereabouts of $322million Abacha loot recovered from Swiss account and about $22million from Island of Jersey in the UK.
As at 10.00pm Tuesday, the former Minister under whose supervision the EFCC was, was still with the operatives because
because he was still to meet his bail conditions.
However, Malami vehemently denies the allegations and insists they are against his public records.
A report quoted an unnamed EFCC source, which this medium has been unable to confirm, as saying: ”We have detained the ex-Minister for terrorism financing and the whereabouts of Abacha loot recovered from Switzerland and Island of Jersey in the UK.
“His sudden wealth of N10billion investments in Kebbi State are under investigation. We may attach some of these assets.
“We are likely to interrogate one of his wives on her role on N4billion Anchor Borrowers cash advanced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
“He has a lot to clarify but he has not been able to meet bail conditions. He might be with us until he fulfils these.”
Malami rejects ever financing terrorism and flaunts what he describes as the key roles he played in Nigeria’s AML/CFT Reforms and FATF Grey-List exit.
In a statement he posted on X, the former Minister said: “My attention has been drawn to a recent publication in which my name was mentioned in connection with allegations of terrorism financing and so-called “links” to persons described as terror suspects or alleged financiers.
“I consider it necessary, in the interest of truth, justice and public record, to make the following clarifications.
“First, I state clearly and unequivocally that I have never at any time been accused, invited, interrogated, investigated or charged by any security, law-enforcement, regulatory or intelligence agency—within or outside Nigeria—in respect of terrorism financing or any related offence.
“Secondly, even the retired military officer cited as the principal source in the said publication categorically admitted that he was not accusing me, or other named individuals, of financing terrorism.
”His own account, as reported, was limited to a vague assertion that certain suspects allegedly had some form of “business” or “institutional” relationship with various persons.
”That important clarification was, unfortunately, overshadowed by a headline and framing capable of misleading well-meaning members of the public into drawing inaccurate and damaging conclusions which was unfortunately politically manipulated by my political opponents to create mischievous insinuations implying my involvement in terrorism financing.
“Terrorism financing is a grave crime with devastating consequences for national security and human life. Any attempt—whether by direct allegation or indirect innuendo—to associate an individual with such an offence must be grounded in verifiable facts, due process and lawful findings, not in conjecture, speculation, or guilt by association.
“To suggest that lawful professional or institutional engagements can, without more, be read as evidence of terrorism financing is both mischievous and unjust.
“For the avoidance of doubt, my public record in office stands in direct contradiction to any insinuation of complicity in terrorism financing. During my tenure as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, I worked with other arms of government and relevant institutions to strengthen—not weaken—Nigeria’s legal and institutional framework against money laundering and the financing of terrorism.
“Among other efforts:
The Federal Government, through collaborative work involving the Federal Ministry of Justice, the National Assembly and other stakeholders, established an independent Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) by law, in order to meet global standards on operational autonomy and to restore Nigeria’s standing within the international financial-intelligence community.
We supported and saw to the enactment of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which repealed the older Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act and provided a more comprehensive and stringent framework for combating money laundering and related offences, including those that may underpin terrorism financing.
We similarly worked on the passage and implementation of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which strengthened Nigeria’s legal regime against terrorism, updated offences and penalties, and reinforced provisions dealing specifically with the financing of terrorism in line with international standards and United Nations obligations.
In furtherance of these laws, my office cooperated closely with key domestic institutions—such as the NFIU, the Central Bank of Nigeria, law-enforcement and regulatory agencies—and with international partners, to improve coordination, information-sharing and compliance across the anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorism-financing (AML/CFT) architecture.”.
Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has expressed shock at the number of soldiers attached to Seyi Tinubu, President Bola Tinubu’s son, as guards.
Soyinka, who spoke in Lagos at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism Awards Ceremony, said he was so taken aback that he called the National Security Adviser, NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, to express concern.
He described as excessive, the number of soldiers deployed to guard the President’s son, and noted that such display reflects poorly on Nigeria’s security priorities and architecture.
“This is not the first country whose Head Of State Has Family”, the Professor lashed out.
Narrating his experience with Seyi Tinubu and his security guards at a hotel in Ikoyi Lagos, the Nobel Laureate said: “I was coming out of my hotel, and I saw what looked like a film set, and I said, oh, they are shooting a film on the ground of the hotel.
Seyi Tinubu
“And a young man detached himself from the actors, came over and greeted me very politely. A very nice young man. And I said, are you shooting somebody?
“I said, I’m just joking. Are you shooting a film? No. I looked around, and there was nearly a whole battalion occupying the grounds of the hotel in Ikoyi.
“So, when I got back in my car, and I asked the driver, who that young man was, and he told me, and I saw this SWAT team, a mixture, they were heavily armed at least some 15 or so heavily armed to the teeth security personnel looked sufficient to take over a small country neighbouring city like Benin.
“I was so astonished that I started looking for the National Security Adviser. I said track him down for me. I think they got him somewhere in Paris. But he was with the president; he was in a meeting.
“Then, I said I’ve just seen something I can’t believe, I don’t understand, and I described the scene to him.
“I said do you mean that a child of the Head of State goes around with an army for his protection or whatever?
“I couldn’t believe it. Later on, I did some investigative journalism, and I found that apparently this is how this young man goes around with his battalion, his heavily armed soldiers.”
On a lighter note, Soyinka said the President should have mobilised the security details around his son to confront threats in countries like the Benin Republic where the President deployed the Nigerian Military to intervene and quash a Coup d’etat aimed at overthrowing the Government of that country.
Soyinka: “Tinubu didn’t have to send the air force and the military to deal with this particular insurrection, this threat to our own sense of security and equilibrium. No. There is an easier way to do it.
“Let me tell you where Tinubu should look for forces to quell that insurrection. Right here, in Lagos, or in Abuja, perhaps.
“And I think next time there’s an insurrection, I think the President should just call that young man and say: ‘Seyi, go and put down those stupid people there. You have troops under your command’”.
Soyinka emphasized that while Presidents around the world have families, the privileges attached to it must not be abused. He then chided President Tinubu.
Soyinka: “This is not the first country whose Head of State has family.
“Children should know their place. They are not potentates; they are not Heads of State.
“The security architecture of a nation suffers when we see such heavy devotion of security to one young individual.”
The Presidency has not responded to Soyinka’s strong comments and advice.
Professor Wole Soyinka has criticised Seyi Tinubu for going around the country with a retinue of security details which include policemen and soldiers. The Nobel Laureate while expressing outrage over the issue, said President Bola Tinubu should not have allowed this to happen because Seyi is not a government official.
According to him, the number of the President’s son’s security personnel was so large that it would have been enough “to foil Sunday’s coup” in Benin Republic.
Soyinka, who spoke in Lagos while presenting an honourary award to famous poet and activist, Odia Ofeimun, who was honoured by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, noted that the President should not ‘overdo” things because his family is not the first to produce the Head of State in the country.
He stressed that the country is facing serious security problems, and that the huge number of policemen and soldiers gaurding Seyi Tinubu should have been deployed to protect Nigerians.
Soyinka: “Tinubu did not have to look for Airforce and the military to deal with this particular insurrection. No. There are easier ways to do it. Let me tell you where Tinubu should have looked for forces to quell that insurrection. Right here in Lagos or in Abuja.
“There was no need to call the Airforce or the military. I do not know. I tell you what happened in one my visits about two months ago. I was coming out of my hotel and saw what looked like a film set and said, oh, they are shooting a film, and the young man detached himself from the actors and came over and greeted me politely and I said are you shooting a film?”
“He said no. I looked around it was also a whole battalion occupying that ground of that hotel in Ikoyi. When I got back to the car and asked the driver who that young man was the driver told me it was President Tinubu’s son, Seyi.”
Since he made the remark on Tuesday , not a few Nigerians insist that the Professor has now shattered his promise not to criticise the administration of Bola Tinubu who many consider his ally.
On why he failed to criticise the Tinubu administration, he said: “I have been asked that question by several people.
“I don’t want to answer because it seems as if there’s nothing one says that won’t be twisted, and I’m tired of that.
“So, I want to take my time. When it’s time, I will write my view on that.
It is with deep concern as a patriotic citizen that I write to you on the critical issue of national security, safety, order, and the well-being of Nigerians, following the recent spate of terrorism, insurgency, banditry, militancy, secession, kidnapping for ransom, and other criminal activities in the country.
The appointment of the former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as Minister of Defence was generally applauded by Nigerians. It is a testament to his patriotism, professionalism, integrity, and unwavering commitment to crush terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and militancy, and to safeguard the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our beloved country.
The recent spate in terror attacks is worrisome, particularly in the northern part of the country, which forced some governors in the region to negotiate with bandits who imposed levies and taxes on rural dwellers before they could cultivate their farmlands and harvest crops. It is sad that banditry has now spilled over to Kano State, which has historically had no record of insecurity.
As the commercial hub of Northern Nigeria, Kano State is one of the safest states in the country. Its security is critical for the stability and progress of the Northern region.
Although five states are mostly affected by banditry in the North West geopolitical zone, Zamfara State has been the epicentre of armed banditry and a safe haven for bandits for the past 15 years.
The state shares borders with Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, and Niger States, as well as Niger Republic through Shinkafi and Zurmi Local Governments. Kebbi State also shares borders with Niger Republic and Benin Republic, while Sokoto State towns of Illela, Gada, Isa, Goronyo, Sabon Birni, Tangaza, Kebbe, and Silame share borders with Niger Republic.
The porosity of the borders in the five states of the North West facilitates smuggling, proliferation of small and light weapons, illicit drugs and narcotics, and illegal migration from the Sahel countries.
Bello Matawalle
With widespread banditry, insurgency, and terrorism in the Northern States, and militancy, secession, oil bunkering, piracy, kidnapping for ransom, and cultism in the Southern States, national defence and security require an experienced Minister of Defence with a military background to effectively coordinate and manage the armed forces and protect the nation’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
In view of the above, I respectfully appeal to Mr. President to listen to the timely call and demand by most citizens to scrap the office of Minister of State for Defence and sack Bello Matawalle, the current Minister of State for Defence. Both the office and Matawalle have outlived their usefulness in safeguarding national security and order in Nigeria.
National interest obviously supersedes partisan politics. It is time for action. It is time to do the right thing in the interest of the nation. It is time to scrap the Minister of State for Defence portfolio and remove the incumbent minister holding it.
Matawalle carries a lot of baggage too heavy for efficient and diligent administration and coordination of the Ministry of Defence at this critical security juncture.
Numerous allegations against him keep surfacing in the national media and on social media, questioning his integrity, leadership capacity, and, more importantly, his links and sympathies with bandits, both as former governor and current minister of the Federal Republic.
Certainly, Matawalle lacks public acceptance and is too controversial to serve as a minister, let alone as Minister of State for Defence during this crucial period of a state of emergency on security.
The overwhelming acceptance of General Christopher Musa as Minister of Defence is what is needed for any leader serving in the Ministry of Defence. This is what Matawalle lacked as governor and minister. His lack of political sagacity, leadership acumen, and disconnect from the people he was meant to serve led to his defeat in the 2023 governorship election in Zamfara State, while the people voted overwhelmingly for the APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in whose campaign I served as Patron of the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, having earlier contested for governor of Zamfara State.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Since security is everybody’s business, Nigerians identify with Mr. President’s stance to protect citizens and make the country safe, as there cannot be any development without security of life and property, as provided for in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, in Section 14(2)(b), which states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.
It has become necessary that ministers of defence should have the intellectual capacity, security expertise, and political savvy to combat terrorism, insurgency, and banditry that threaten national security and order.
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, falls short of these criteria, with his known educational qualification being mere vocational training, which is not equivalent to a senior secondary school certificate, according to the Ministry of Education’s Department of Evaluation and Monitoring assessment.
Whatever considerations Mr. President had in appointing Matawalle as Minister of State for Defence should be reconsidered and rescinded in view of the clear and present security danger the nation is facing, which is far beyond Matawalle’s ability to handle.
When His Excellency Mohammed Badaru Abubakar recently resigned as Minister of Defence, citizens rejoiced and hailed it as patriotism, and expected the junior minister (Matawalle) to follow a similar path of honour and resign.
Conscious of the need to inject fresh blood and ideas into the Ministry of Defence, Matawalle’s refusal to resign along with his former boss necessitated the ongoing clamour for his sack.
Mr. President, I join millions of well-meaning citizens who call for the immediate removal of Bello Matawalle as Minister of State for Defence and the scrapping of the office of Minister of State for Defence.
National expectations from General Christopher Musa as Minister of Defence are very high. To meet the yearnings of Nigerians, he should be given powers to restructure and reposition the ministry without the overbearing influence of the junior minister, Matawalle, whom Musa served under as Chief of Defence Staff.
The national defence architecture is too critical to split the command system as currently obtainable in Nigeria.
At present, the senior minister does not have control of the maritime domain, which is critical to our economy and national security, as it is handed over to the Minister of State to oversee.
Secondly, the Pension Board, which is supposed to cater for the welfare of veterans, is also under the purview of the junior minister.
Most importantly, the Defence Industries Corporation, which is supposed to be the nation’s defence ecosystem of companies, government agencies, and research institutions that develop, produce, and supply military equipment and services, is also not under the senior minister. We now have two ministers running parallel administrations in the Ministry of Defence at a time when cooperation across every sector is needed to address the security challenges.
It is, therefore, essential to unify the Ministry of Defence under one command. This will also avoid unnecessary personality clashes and inefficiency that exacerbate insecurity in the nation.
The safety of Nigerians should be paramount. I have no doubt that Mr. President will heed the yearnings of fellow compatriots to scrap the office of Minister of State for Defence and relieve Matawalle of his position. It is in the overall national interest to do so.
It is my prayer that God will continue to guide our President as he faithfully pilots the affairs of the nation.
Please accept the renewed assurances of my highest esteem and regards.
Dr Shinkafi was a Zamfara State Governorship Candidate of the APC, and later, a Patron of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign, 2023
