Fresh calls have emerged for President Bola Tinubu to dismiss Bello Matawalle from his position as Minister of State for Defence. This demand follows the recent resignation of the substantive Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru, and comes amid persistent security challenges across Nigeria.
Analyst Advocates for Major Security Shake-up
Public affairs analyst, Hamma-Ahmed Hayatu, has publicly joined the growing number of voices urging President Tinubu to overhaul the nation's security leadership. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Hayatu argued that the sensitive nature of national security demands leaders with a profound understanding of the complex landscape.
Hayatu did not mince words, also describing the Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam, as "docile" and recommended his replacement with someone possessing direct uniformed service experience.
Proposed Replacements for Matawalle
The commentator went beyond criticism to propose specific individuals he considers competent to take over from Matawalle. His suggestions are both former high-ranking military officers:
- General Lucky Irabor (Rtd): The immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), appointed in January 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari. Irabor was honoured with the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) in 2022.
- Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Rtd): Former Chief of Army Staff appointed in July 2015 and later Nigeria's Ambassador to the Republic of Benin. A career soldier commissioned in 1983, his father was a World War II veteran.
Context of the Calls for Resignation
The pressure on Matawalle intensified after his superior, Mohammed Badaru, resigned from the role of Defence Minister on December 7, 2025. President Tinubu swiftly swore in former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as Badaru's replacement.
This development has shifted focus to the Ministry of State for Defence, with critics like Hayatu and earlier, Denge Josef Onoh—a former presidential spokesman—arguing that a complete restructuring with competent hands is needed to effectively tackle insecurity.
The core argument is that the security architecture requires seasoned experts, especially following Badaru's departure, to confront the multifaceted threats of banditry, kidnapping, and communal conflicts plaguing the nation.
