APC leader urges Northern politicians to support Tinubu and avoid ‘pull him down’ tactics.
Alhaji (Dr) Ilyasu Musa Kwankwaso, a prominent APC member, has called on northern politicians to reject the “pull him down” mentality and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in addressing banditry and other social issues, especially in the North.
He also commended the National Security Adviser’s Office for investigating allegations of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle’s, alleged ties to banditry in the Northwest.
Kwankwaso noted that an investigation, along with a statement from President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, clarified why Matawalle was retained in the recent cabinet reshuffle.
In a national TV interview, Dr. Kwankwaso mentioned that Mr. Onanuga explained the NSA thoroughly investigated the allegations against the Minister and found them to be unfounded.
Kwankwaso highlighted that Mr. Onanuga confirmed the NSA’s investigation found the allegations against Matawalle to be “mere fabrications.”
With the minister now cleared of any involvement in supporting banditry, Kwankwaso noted that this validates his earlier stance that the Minister of Defence opposes such acts. He urged support and prayers for Matawalle in his efforts to combat the “enemies of progress” disrupting peace in the region.
He also praised President Tinubu for resisting pressure from detractors aiming to discredit Matawalle and push for his dismissal as minister.
“We, the people of the Northwest specifically, and the North as a whole, are pleased that the President resisted the demands of those seeking Matawalle’s removal as Minister of Defence,” Kwankwaso said.
He expressed regret over the spread of false accusations against Matawalle. “That’s why he remains in the cabinet. I’m certain the President has heard various accounts about him, and his continued presence shows these claims have been investigated and found untrue,” he concluded.
