The Northern Elders Progressive Group has described the recent endorsement of President Bola Tinubu by Zamfara State citizens as both timely and encouraging for good governance. This declaration comes as support grows for the President's potential continuation beyond 2027.
Group Praises Security Efforts and Matawalle's Leadership
In a statement released to journalists in Sokoto on Monday, the group's Coordinator, Alhaji Yusuf Abubakar, commended the Minister of State for Defence and former Governor of Zamfara, Mohammed Bello Matawalle, for his political vision and dedication to tackling Nigeria's security challenges. Abubakar emphasized that Matawalle's recent visit to Zamfara had significantly contributed to the state's stability and restored hope across various northern regions.
"It is a blessed visit, going by the achievements so far recorded," Abubakar stated, highlighting the military operations that have maintained continuous pressure against bandit hideouts in the region.
Military Operations Preferred Over Dialogue
The Northern Elders Progressive Group firmly believes that military action remains the most effective approach to ending banditry and other security threats in northern Nigeria. Abubakar specifically praised the ongoing military campaigns as superior to any engagement or dialogue with bandit leaders.
"We must commend the role of Bello Matawalle by supporting the military operations that have positively helped destroy many bandit enclaves in Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto and Kebbi states," he noted, despite previous attempts at reconciliation with some criminal elements.
The group particularly appreciated the efforts of 'Operation Fansan Yamma' and appealed to President Tinubu for continued support to enhance operational facilities and boost troop morale, especially in the most affected states of Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, and Kaduna.
Endorsement Signals Hope for Continued Progress
While acknowledging President Tinubu's current efforts, the group expressed hope that the fight against banditry and criminal elements would see further improvement and prioritization in vulnerable areas across the northern region.
"We commended the decisions taken by the people of Zamfara in supporting and endorsing President Tinubu to continue with his good efforts after 2027," Abubakar added. He emphasized that such gestures would ensure greater hope and encouragement for improved security, peace, and economic development throughout Nigeria.
The Northern Elders Progressive Group also recognized the gallant troops making citizens' lives safer through their constant operations against insecurity and criminal elements.
In related news, President Tinubu has urged the Super Eagles to reclaim their lost glory by winning the 2025 African Cup of Nations in Morocco. Through a statement by his Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President encouraged the team despite their recent World Cup qualification loss to Democratic Republic of Congo, charging them to focus on the upcoming AFCON tournament scheduled for December 2025 to January 2026.
