The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, has strongly refuted claims that President Bola Tinubu is a political liability to Northern Nigeria, labelling such assertions as “baseless” and driven by “politically motivated propaganda.”
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Assistant on Political Affairs, Ibrahim Goga, the former Zamfara State governor described President Tinubu as “an asset to the North and the nation,” citing tangible progress in security, infrastructure development, and national cohesion.
“President Tinubu has demonstrated an uncommon commitment to addressing the challenges facing our region,” Matawalle stated. “Those attacking him with propaganda are only seeking relevance after failing to secure their political future.”
He accused unnamed members of the political elite of orchestrating misinformation campaigns to mask their own leadership failures and justify their exclusion from the current administration.
“These individuals had the opportunity to lead but left no meaningful legacy,” Matawalle said. “Today, they parade themselves as defenders of the people, using falsehoods and crocodile tears to win sympathy.”
Highlighting security achievements under Tinubu’s leadership, the minister cited Operation Fansan Yamma, which he said led to the neutralisation of more than 65 notorious bandit leaders and the dismantling of over 200 terrorist camps across the northern region.
“This Easter and Ramadan season were among the most peaceful in years for many northern communities,” Matawalle remarked.
He also referenced major federal infrastructure projects—such as the Zaria-Gusau-Talata Mafara-Sokoto expressway and the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway—as indicators of the administration’s commitment to Northern development.
“These projects were abandoned for years, but President Tinubu has revived them. Critics deliberately ignore these achievements because they do not serve their narrative,” he said.
Urging unity across the region, Matawalle called on Northern citizens to resist divisive rhetoric and rally behind the President’s vision.
“We must be part of the solution, not the problem,” he concluded. “The North stands to gain more through unity and support for a working leadership.”