The Northern Christian Youth Coalition (NCYC) has issued a strong demand for the immediate removal of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, from his position. The youth group made this call directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing serious allegations that they claim are undermining Nigeria's entire security framework.
Coalition Cites Grave Allegations and National Security
In a strongly-worded statement released on Thursday, December 18, 2025, the coalition's National Coordinator, Jeremaid Hudso Bako, explained the rationale behind their demand. Bako stated that the call was driven by an urgent need to uphold public accountability and to restore the rapidly eroding trust citizens have in government institutions, particularly those tasked with security.
The group pointed to the recent dismissal of Farouk Ahmed, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), as a positive precedent. They commended this action as a step toward promoting transparency in public service. However, the NCYC insisted that the same rigorous standard must be applied uniformly across all tiers of government, especially to other high-ranking officials like Minister Matawalle who are facing severe accusations.
A Call for Consistent Accountability in Governance
Jeremaid Hudso Bako elaborated on the coalition's position, drawing a direct parallel between the cases. "The recent dismissal of Farouk Ahmed serves as a crucial reminder of the need for accountability in public office," Bako said. "While we commend this action, we must insist that the Tinubu administration extend this cleansing process to include the Minister of State for Defense."
The coalition leader emphasized that the accusations against Bello Matawalle are particularly disturbing because they touch on the core of national security, which is fundamental to the nation's stability and the safety of its people. "The allegations surrounding Bello Matawalle are grave and cannot be overlooked," Bako asserted. He referenced reports indicating the minister's implication in various activities that allegedly compromise the integrity of the nation's defense apparatus and, consequently, the safety of Nigerian citizens.
Integrity of Defence Ministry Called a Sacred Trust
The NCYC's statement highlighted the critical timing of their demand, noting that Nigeria is currently grappling with overwhelming insecurity. The group mentioned rampant banditry, terrorism, and other violent crimes that threaten the fabric of society. They argued that it is completely unacceptable to have a Minister of State for Defense whose alleged actions might worsen these existential challenges.
Bako framed the defence portfolio as a "sacred trust" that demands the absolute highest standards of ethical conduct and transparency. He stressed that the Ministry of Defense has the primary duty of safeguarding national sovereignty and ensuring citizen protection. Any compromise in this regard, the coalition contends, is not merely a leadership failure but a profound betrayal of the public's trust.
"The defense of our nation is not merely a bureaucratic function; it is a sacred duty," Bako stated. "As the Northern Christian Youth Coalition, we are deeply concerned about the implications of retaining an individual in such a critical position when there are credible accusations against him."
Setting a Precedent for Future Governance
The coalition warned that failing to act against Minister Matawalle would send a contradictory and damaging message, undermining the very principles of transparency and good governance that the Tinubu administration claims to uphold. They see the minister's potential removal as more than just addressing individual misconduct; it is about setting a powerful precedent for future governance.
"It is a clarion call for all public officials to understand that their actions have consequences and that accountability is non-negotiable," Bako explained. The group urged President Tinubu to use this opportunity to reinforce the values of integrity within his government, ensuring every official is held to the highest standard of conduct.
In their final appeal, the Northern Christian Youth Coalition called for swift and decisive presidential action regarding Matawalle's continued tenure. "The time for action is now," the statement concluded, "as the safety and security of our nation depend on the integrity of those who lead us." The coalition pledged its support for any measures that would contribute to establishing a clean and accountable government that prioritizes citizen welfare above all else.
