A prominent civic advocacy group has risen to the defence of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, dismissing renewed criticism stemming from a year-old video recirculating on social media as politically motivated.
Coalition Cites Recent Successes, Dismisses Old Footage
The Coalition for Truth and National Interest, in a statement issued in Lagos on Wednesday, December 3, urged Nigerians to disregard the attacks targeting the minister. The group's leader, Comrade Olatokunbo Olawoyin, asserted that the revival of the old clip was driven by partisan motives and was an attempt to create unnecessary controversy.
Olawoyin described the criticism as opportunistic and detached from the security context that existed at the time the video was originally recorded. Instead, the coalition directed public attention to Matawalle's current record in government, describing him as one of the most outstanding ministers in President Bola Tinubu's cabinet.
Kebbi Rescue Operation Highlighted as Proof of Competence
To counter the narrative from the old video, the group pointed to tangible recent achievements under the minister's watch. They specifically highlighted the successful rescue of schoolgirls abducted in Kebbi State as a clear example of effective coordination and steady decision-making.
The coalition noted that the operation in Maga required meticulous planning and a firm grasp of the complex insecurity dynamics in Nigeria's Northwest region. This success, they argued, demonstrates Matawalle's operational competence and ability to make tactical decisions under pressure while handling national security challenges.
Call for Sober Engagement Based on Facts
The advocacy group warned that using outdated material to stir public anger only serves to divert attention from genuine policy discussions needed to address Nigeria's security woes. They cautioned against allowing social media conversations to shape perceptions without considering available evidence.
Olawoyin appealed to the public and media to prioritise national interest and engage with facts. "Nigeria needed sober engagement and a focus on facts to confront its current realities," he stated. The coalition concluded that Minister Matawalle remains a key asset and a vital part of the Tinubu administration's efforts to strengthen defence and internal security, urging citizens to judge him by his present leadership performance.
