NSNCM Backs Matawalle, Urges President Tinubu to Retain Him as Minister of State for Defence

NSNCM Backs Matawalle, Urges President Tinubu to Retain Him as Minister of State for Defence

The Nineteen Seventeen Northern Consensus Movement (NSNCM), a coalition of 598 registered associations across the 19 Northern states and Northern communities in the 17 Southern states, has declared firm support for the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to retain him in office in the interest of national security.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja, the National President of the movement, Dr. Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu, said the organization—one of the largest socio-political coalitions in the region—convened the briefing to commend recent security appointments by the President and to restate the importance of continuity within the defence leadership.

Dr. Aliyu applauded President Tinubu for appointing General Christopher Gwabin Musa as the new Minister of Defence, describing him as a “detribalized, highly accomplished and patriotic military leader.” He said Musa’s experience and national outlook have inspired fresh confidence among Nigerians.

He also commended the former Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who resigned on health grounds, noting that his dedication and achievements remain appreciated.

The movement, however, devoted much of its statement to defending Dr. Matawalle against what it described as politically motivated calls for his removal.

According to Dr. Aliyu, Dr. Matawalle has demonstrated “genuine commitment, responsiveness and visible results” both as Governor of Zamfara State and as Minister of State for Defence. He cited key achievements, including the rescue of abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State, the strengthening of multi-agency intelligence-sharing structures, and advocacy for improved military funding and modernization.

He recalled Matawalle’s efforts as Governor between 2019 and 2023, during which he confronted severe banditry through a mix of community dialogue, intelligence-driven operations and enforcement. His Peace and Reconciliation Initiative, the establishment of Community Protection Guards, and coordination with security agencies reportedly contributed to reopening closed roads, reviving farming activities and reducing attacks in affected communities.

Dr. Aliyu dismissed recent calls for Matawalle’s removal as “political resentment” from long-standing adversaries uncomfortable with his loyalty to President Tinubu and contributions to the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He clarified that defence ministers do not command troops, as operational control rests with the service chiefs under the constitutional authority of the President. Rather, ministers provide policy direction, administrative coordination and strategic guidance. He added that the law does not require the minister to be a serving or retired military officer, emphasizing that competence and integrity remain the key criteria.

Highlighting recent gains in civil-military relations, community intelligence flow and stakeholder engagement, the NSNCM argued that removing Matawalle at this time would disrupt emerging progress in ongoing security reforms.

“At this critical point in Nigeria’s fight against insecurity, continuity is essential,” Dr. Aliyu said. “The synergy between the Minister of Defence and the Minister of State for Defence is beginning to yield results, and the nation needs leadership stability to consolidate these gains.”

He urged President Tinubu to disregard “mischief makers and politically motivated distractors” seeking to undermine Matawalle, noting that the group’s 598 affiliate associations are committed to mobilizing support for peace, unity and cooperation with security agencies nationwide.

Dr. Aliyu reaffirmed the movement’s pledge to contribute to grassroots intelligence gathering, community sensitization and national stability.