The Yoruba Youths Council (YYC) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to outrightly disregard what it describes as sponsored campaigns of calumny being orchestrated against the Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle. The group insisted that the attacks are politically motivated and designed to tarnish the reputation of one of the President’s most committed and effective ministers.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its President, Comrade Eric Oluwole, the Yoruba youth body condemned those allegedly behind the smear efforts, especially in the wake of the voluntary resignation of former Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, on health grounds. The YYC accused political actors of exploiting Badaru’s exit to target Matawalle, describing the move as unjust, malicious, and rooted in rivalry.
According to Oluwole, the protests reportedly being instigated against Matawalle by Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, who was described as a “rival” and Matawalle’s “predecessor” are part of a calculated attempt to sow discord and manipulate public perception following developments in the federal defence architecture.
The Yoruba Youths Council urged President Tinubu to remain alert to these political manipulations.
The group emphatically warned: “Mr President should be wary of the machinations and sponsored campaigns of calumny against one of his best ministers.”
YYC commended President Tinubu for what it described as his bold and sweeping reforms in Nigeria’s security sector, particularly his call for a constitutional amendment to establish state police. The organization expressed confidence that with the President’s renewed focus and the reforms underway, insecurity across the country would soon be decisively crushed.
As the umbrella organization of Yoruba youths, the YYC described national security as a highly sensitive portfolio requiring leadership with deep knowledge of the complex terrain. The group insisted that this is precisely why President Tinubu must dismiss any sponsored attacks aimed at discrediting Matawalle.
The group also referenced reports that President Tinubu is considering former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), as the new Minister of Defence following Badaru’s resignation. YYC said that if confirmed by the Senate, a Musa–Matawalle leadership team at the Defence Ministry would represent “one of the most suitable combinations ever” to drive the sector, particularly at a time when the President is demonstrating unprecedented political will to confront insecurity.
Oluwole noted that Musa and Matawalle had previously worked “commendably” together and had jointly relocated to Sokoto during an intense anti-banditry operation aimed at liberating the state from armed groups.
According to the statement:
“The invaluable rich experience of the immediate former CDS, Gen Christopher Musa, rtd, on security matters, coupled with that of Bello Matawalle, the sitting Minister of State for Defence, are uncommon assets already available to be tapped by President Tinubu in his commendable efforts to rid the country of banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and insecurity in whatever form.”
YYC stressed that Matawalle’s experience since assuming office as Minister of State for Defence has been a major contribution to the ongoing security successes under the Tinubu administration.
The group further stated:
“We strongly believe that the President’s expected success in his ongoing battle against insecurity is crucial to the 2027 election, and he should deploy competent hands to prosecute this battle. President Tinubu must win this battle against insecurity. His victory here will automatically endear him to Nigerians and clear the coast for his reelection in 2027.”
Oluwole recounted earlier military gains, especially those coordinated by Matawalle in the Northeast, describing them as evidence of the minister’s commitment and capacity.
YYC highlighted a specific earlier statement in which it commended the relocation of Matawalle and service chiefs to Sokoto for a special anti-banditry operation on the orders of President Tinubu, a move the group says greatly undermined criminal networks in the North-West.
The statement recalled:
“We are happy that since Dr Bello Matawalle and General Christopher Musa relocated to the Sokoto 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, banditry and insecurity in the North-West have drastically reduced, while many notorious bandit leaders, including Kachalla Halilu Sububu, Jamilu Nazakiru, Wala Baburki, Sani Black and Danbaleri Mashekari — have been neutralised.”
The YYC President also enumerated Matawalle’s achievements as Minister of State for Defence, including:
Facilitating major progress in indigenous arms production, with DICON playing a key role.
Transforming Nigeria into an emerging regional hub for advanced military hardware, enabling other African nations to source equipment from Nigeria.
Supporting the enactment of the DICON Act 2023, empowering the corporation to significantly bolster national security and economic growth.
Promoting unity and urging Northern political elites to demonstrate unwavering loyalty to President Tinubu in order to collectively tackle insecurity.
Working tirelessly to combat banditry, terrorism, and insecurity in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Oluwole insisted that these achievements make Matawalle “the best Minister of State for Defence in the prevailing circumstances and one of the best ministers in Tinubu’s cabinet.”
The statement concluded by reaffirming the Yoruba youths’ confidence in Matawalle’s leadership capacity and urging the President to ignore all blackmail campaigns targeting him.