The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a strong demand for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately remove Bello Matawalle from his position as Minister of State for Defence. The call, made on Monday, December 15, stems from a resurfaced video and allegations that Matawalle, a former Governor of Zamfara state, has shown sympathy towards bandits.
Student Body Cites "Serious Breach of Trust"
In a decisive move, the student union described the minister's alleged connections as a fundamental betrayal. Usman Adamu Nagwaza, the president of the NANS Senate, labelled the situation a "serious breach of trust." The association argues that an official tasked with national defence cannot have divided loyalties, especially given Nigeria's escalating security challenges.
The controversy centres on a past video clip that recently went viral. In the footage, Bello Matawalle is seen, during his tenure as Zamfara governor, 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.
Mounting Pressure Amid National Insecurity
NANS joins a growing chorus of voices urging a restructuring of the country's security leadership. The student body stated that the allegations against Matawalle are particularly disturbing because he holds a office responsible for protecting citizens from the very threats he is accused of sympathising with.
In their official statement, NANS declared: "His alleged relationship with bandits is a betrayal of the trust reposed in him by the Nigerian people and undermines the government’s efforts to combat insecurity." Consequently, they have demanded Matawalle's immediate removal pending a full investigation into the allegations.
A Nation Gripped by Fear and Violence
This political drama unfolds against a grim backdrop of persistent insecurity. What began as sporadic attacks has transformed into a sustained campaign of violence, featuring mass abductions, village raids, and highway banditry. These events highlight deep cracks in the state's capacity to safeguard its populace.
Across numerous states, fear has become a constant companion for Nigerians. The consequences are severe and widespread:
- Travellers are forced to avoid certain routes.
- Farmers are abandoning their livelihoods and farmlands.
- Families must adjust their daily routines around the unpredictable threat of violence.
Security agencies, though making efforts, often appear overstretched and reactive. Attackers frequently strike with impunity, vanishing into remote forests only to reappear elsewhere, leaving communities in mourning and government promises of relief feeling hollow.
This development follows the recent resignation of the substantive Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, who cited health reasons for his departure. The call for Matawalle's sack adds further pressure on President Tinubu to reconfigure his security team as Nigeria grapples with multifaceted threats that continue to destabilise daily life, business, and national stability.
