The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has drawn heavy criticism from Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, following its disavowal of support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Recently, the NEF expressed regret over backing Tinubu in the 2023 elections, calling for a leader who embodies inclusivity and aligns with the interests of all Nigerian regions.
In a fiery response on Saturday, Matawalle labeled the NEF a “political burden” and accused the group of lacking legitimacy to represent the North.
He condemned their recent statements as damaging to the political unity of the region.
“My attention has been drawn to the threats issued by the Northern Elders Forum against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which is ‘reprehensible and naive’. It is preposterous for a group of people seeking political relevance to overburden the system and create political disunity among Nigerians,” he said.
The Minister further criticized the NEF for acting as a destabilizing force rather than a unifying one.
“The so-called NEF is more or less a political paperweight trying to embark on a destructive journey that will bring the North to disrepute for the group’s personal and selfish gains,” Matawalle added.
He dismissed any notion of the NEF’s authority to challenge President Tinubu’s mandate, reminding that Tinubu was convincingly elected in February 2023.
Matawalle also pointed out the NEF’s lack of engagement with government initiatives aimed at addressing the North’s challenges, pointing out their preference to criticize rather than contribute to developmental efforts.
“The majority of them are more interested in faulting the government so as to be recognised or accorded some relevance. Our region, the North, is united, disciplined, and politically driven enough not to listen and accept being teleguided by any group of elites who had fed fat in the past on the North’s resources and opportunities which had retarded development in the region and nation due to their selfishness,” he stated.
Matawalle concluded by urging the NEF to shift their focus towards fostering unity and cooperation in supporting President Tinubu’s administration for the prosperity of Nigeria.
He encouraged the NEF members to align with the government’s vision and work collectively for the country’s progress.
“My advice to NEF and others alike is to support the present government and join hands with President Tinubu in order to further move the country forward,” he concluded.
