The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has given a serious directive to northern appointees within the current administration, urging them to either wholeheartedly support President Bola Tinubu or resign from their posts.
This declaration follows a clash with Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a Special Adviser on Political Matters, over criticisms of the government.
The controversy began after Matawalle rebuked the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) for expressing regret over their support for Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, describing their stance as a “political burden on the North.”
Dr. Baba-Ahmed, who had previously served as the spokesperson for NEF, responded by criticizing Matawalle’s defense as “ill-advised,” suggesting that a more constructive support could enhance the government’s efforts in security and poverty reduction in the North.
The Punch reported that in a statement released on Monday, Matawalle defended his initial comments, asserting that Baba-Ahmed, as an appointee of the administration, should focus on promoting its success rather than engaging in public disagreements.
He highlighted that loyalty to the administration is essential for its functionaries, especially in the face of ethnic or narrow-minded criticisms.
“As appointees of the government from the North, we must all take a stand, be unequivocal and be counted in the roll of honours for our support and work for the success of the administration we are serving,” Metawalle declared
He concluded by stating that this is a critical time for appointees to demonstrate their loyalty and effectiveness, or alternatively, to step aside for others willing to uphold the government’s objectives.
“This is not the time to keep quiet in the face of intimidation and misrepresentation of the efforts and achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. We must stand up to be counted for being on the part of the government or take our exit,” the statement added.
