Fresh controversy has engulfed President Bola Tinubu's administration as a powerful minister faces intense pressure to step down from his sensitive security role. The calls follow the resurfacing of an old video that has sparked serious questions about his suitability for the position.
Old Video Sparks New Political Firestorm
Bello Matawalle, the current Minister of State for Defence, is at the centre of a growing political storm. A viral video from his tenure as Governor of Zamfara State shows him seemingly defending bandits who were terrorising his state. The comment was reportedly made at the State House in Abuja after a meeting with the then-president, the late Muhammadu Buhari.
This past footage has now ignited fierce criticism from political stakeholders who argue that no sympathiser of bandits should hold a government position, especially not in the defence ministry. They cite the nation's ongoing, multifaceted security challenges as making the appointment untenable.
Stakeholders Demand Immediate Action
Leading the charge for resignation is Denge Josef Onoh, a former spokesman for President Tinubu in the southeast. Onoh has publicly called for Matawalle to "do the honourable thing" and tender his resignation immediately. His demand is rooted in the need for unambiguous loyalty in Nigeria's fight against terror.
"The ministry of defence, in the middle of a shooting war against terrorism, is not the appropriate place for him at this time," Onoh was quoted as saying. He emphasised that the video shows Matawalle "unambiguously defended the same criminals our armed forces are mandated to eliminate."
Onoh further urged President Tinubu, should the minister refuse to resign, to relieve him of his duties without delay. He praised the President's demonstrated "zero tolerance for compromise" in the anti-terror war.
Nigeria's Security Crisis Provides Tense Backdrop
The demand for Matawalle's resignation comes against a grim backdrop of persistent insecurity. Nigeria continues to grapple with terrorism, widespread banditry, kidnapping, and violent clashes. These crises have severely impacted daily life, business operations, and national stability.
What were once episodic attacks have evolved into sustained campaigns of violence. Citizens across many states live in constant fear, avoiding certain travel routes and abandoning farmlands. Security agencies, despite their efforts, often appear overstretched and reactive against attackers who strike and vanish into remote areas.
The controversy also follows the recent resignation of the substantive Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, who cited health reasons for his departure. This has placed the defence ministry's leadership under even greater scrutiny.
Broader Implications for Tinubu's Government
This incident presents a significant test for the Tinubu administration. It forces a public reckoning with past statements of a senior official now tasked with solving the very problem he once appeared to downplay. The call for resignation is framed not just as a political manoeuvre but as a necessity for restoring public confidence in the nation's security architecture.
The government now faces a delicate decision: whether to retain a key cabinet member amid allegations of divided loyalty or to accede to public pressure for his removal at a time when the defence portfolio requires steady and trusted leadership. The outcome will signal the administration's prioritisation of perceived competence and unwavering commitment in its ongoing battle against insecurity.
