Matawalle describes threats to the President as “reprehensible and naive.”
Matawalle
The renowned political alliance among leaders from the northern region seems to be at risk due to concerns about the impact of President Bola Tinubu’s administration on the North.
Regional leaders have unexpectedly found themselves in conflict, revealing a potential division in their perspectives on the presidency’s stance towards the North.
The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Bello Mattawale, publicly criticized the Northern Elders Forum yesterday for expressing regret over their 2023 vote for the President.
Error
The body’s spokesman, Abdulaziz Sulaiman, highlighted that in upcoming elections, such as the 2027 general elections, the North would prioritize unity when choosing a presidential candidate.
His statement suggests that the North made an error by electing Bola Tinubu as president in 2023, and it is improbable that they will make the same mistake again in the future.
“They have reflected on their previous mistake and aim to choose a candidate who can bring the nation together and govern in the best interests of all Nigerians.”
“In the future, the Northern region will be more careful in choosing a presidential candidate. They will focus on selecting someone who is perceived as inclusive, less divisive, and more in harmony with the interests of all regions across the country.”
“The lesson learned from backing Tinubu for 2023 highlights the significance of unity and consensus in choosing a candidate for the country’s top position.”
Matawalle responded by stating, “NEF is a group that is unwilling to face the truth and is trapped in a state of delusion.”
He characterized the forum as a political paperweight aiming to undertake a harmful path that would tarnish the reputation of the North for personal benefits.
In a statement titled “Northern Elders Forum: A Political Burden To The North,” the minister emphasized that they do not represent the region.
He stated, “I have noticed the threats made by the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) towards President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, deeming it ‘reprehensible and naive.’ It is absurd for a faction attempting to gain political significance to strain the system and sow political discord among Nigerians.”
“The NEF, also known as the Northern Elders Forum, appears to be a mere political tool on a harmful path that could tarnish the reputation of the North for personal and self-serving motives.”
"This NEF places a political burden on Northerners, aiming to undermine the rights and relevance of others, even though their supported candidates did not succeed in the 2023 general election."Many have disregarded their words, but it is crucial to highlight their dominant stance on matters concerning political unity and cohesion. They fail to propose any constructive ideas or insights regarding the future of Northern Nigeria or the nation as a whole, as well as its unity and harmony.
“We are all aware that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR convincingly won the presidential election in February 2023. Therefore, who is the NEF to attempt to undermine the president’s victory and even suggest unseating him?
The same group has purposefully avoided their duty of promoting unity in the North by acknowledging the progress brought to the region by Ministers appointed by President Tinubu from the North, particularly the North West. Despite the significant challenges facing the North, as emphasized by the President and his efforts to address them, the NEF has not seen it necessary to engage with Mr. President to address the issues affecting the Northern region.
“The team has not yet met with any ministers responsible for security, agriculture, water resources, police affairs, education, health, budget, foreign affairs, or any heads of security agencies in the country to gain direct insight into government initiatives and activities.”
Most of them are focused on criticizing the government in order to gain recognition or importance.
Regrettably
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.
“President Tinubu is ready to make significant contributions to the North as the President of Nigeria, elected by all Nigerians and not by any specific ethnic group. Those who view President Tinubu as a failure or weak are mistaken and should reconsider their opinion.”
“A person or group holding such views may be blind or misinformed, unable to see the emerging new Nigeria.”
Hence, the NEF’s statement, which is said to convey regret for supporting President Tinubu, is deemed unfortunate.
“NEF is simply a group that denies reality and exists in a state of delusion.”
The North takes pride in supporting and voting for President Tinubu, and will always cherish the strong bond with the President due to the significant transformation and progress his administration has brought to the region.
“My suggestion for NEF and similar organizations is to back the current government and collaborate with President Tinubu GCFR to continue progressing the nation.”
In the past, leaders of northern descent have occasionally shared conflicting sentiments regarding the situation in the North and the region’s endorsement of the President in 2023, echoing the NEF’s stance.
During a recent sermon, Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi criticized Tinubu for appointing Southern Christians to important positions, stating that this may hinder the President from securing a second term in office.
The senator from Bauchi Central, Abdul Ningi, expressed concerns about the deteriorating situation under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership.
He mentioned that President Tinubu appeared to lack understanding of the country and the issues affecting its various regions, particularly the North.
Ningi pointed out that despite Northerners’ efforts to support him, there was a lack of agreement between them and the President regarding crucial projects for the North. Projects like Ajaokuta, Mambilla power project, River Niger dredging, and other significant initiatives were of utmost importance to the region.
