***They do not Speak For the Region- Bello Matawalle

The attention has been drawn to the threats issued by the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) 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.

This was made available in a communique from the media office of the Minister while responding to comments made by the Northern Elders Forum

In his words the minister said 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 .

In addition : “This NEF is more of a political burden to Northerners. The group is seeking to erode other people’s rights in order to be recognised or made relevant in the scheme of things despite the failure of their sponsored candidates in the 2023 general elections.

In as much as many have overlooked them in respect of their utterances, it is pertinent to underscore their overbearing attitude on issues that affect political unity and cohesion. They can not offer any positive idea or thought about the future of Northern Nigeria or, indeed, of Nigeria and its unity and togetherness.

We all know President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR won the February 2023 presidential election convincingly. So, who is the NEF to want to undermine the president’s victory and even threaten to unseat him?

This same group of people have intentionally shied away from their responsibility of engendering unity in the North by appreciating the incremental development being brought to the North by Ministers appointed by President Tinubu from the North, especially North West. The NEF has not deemed it fit to seek audience with Mr. President to discuss issues affecting the Northern region despite the numerous challenges facing the North as rightly highlighted by the President and being addressed by him.

“The group is yet to visit any of the ministers dealing with issues of security, agriculture, water resources, police affairs, Education,Health, Budget, foreign affairs, or any head of security agencies in the country so far for first hand knowledge of government programs and actions.

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.

President Tinubu is poised to do a lot for the North as President of Nigeria, elected by the people of Nigeria, not by one ethnic group or the other, therefore, anyone mistakenly seeing President Tinubu as a failure or a weakling is making a mistake and should rethink.

Such a person or group is either blind or misguided and unable to see the new Nigeria that is emerging.

Therefore, the NEF’s statement allegedly expressing regret for voting for President Tinubu is unfortunate.

NEF is not more than a group that has refused to accept reality and is living in delusion.
The truth is that the North is proud of its support and vote for President Tinubu and will continue to be proud of her relationship with the President given the enormous change and development his government has brought to the region.

“My advice to NEF and others alike , is to support the present government and join hands with President Tinubu GCFR in order to further move the country forward.”

…Says their days are numbered

The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON has commended the ongoing onslaught by the Armed Forces of Nigeria targeted against terrorists especially in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina and Kaduna States pointing out that their days are numbered and that the nation would once again begin to enjoy uninterrupted peace.

This was contained in a statement signed by Henshaw Ogubike Mnipr Director ( Information and Public Relations)

The Minister praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their precise air strikes targeted at the terrorist strongholds in Zurmi, Gusau, and Maradun Local Government Areas, which resulted in the elimination of numerous terrorists and the destruction of their infrastructure.

He commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria for the clearance exercise in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina and Kaduna.

“With prayers and support for our Military, very soon the Military will clear these states free from bandit attacks,” he said.

Matawalle explained that with Military precision they successfully identified and neutralized the camps of prominent terrorist figures Abdullahi Nasanda and Mallam Tukur.

“We appreciate and commend the untiring efforts of our gallant servicemen and women who participated in this operation with outmost dedication and precision,” he said.

He expressed his sincere appreciation to all personnel involved in these operations. He also commended the collaborative efforts of the nation’s Intelligent Agencies as well as the local security partners.

Furthermore, he said that the Military is in a good and strong position to win the war against insurgency and terrorism which has witnessed many terrorist leaders being killed.

While commending the Armed Forces of Nigeria, he prayed for lasting peace in our nation, Nigeria.

***Hosted Jigawa State Governor, others

The Honourable Minister of Defense, H. E. Muhammed Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni was at his home town, Babaru where he celebrated the Eid Mubarak and observed the Eid-Fitr Prayer.

This was contained in a statement signed by Henshaw Ogubike Mnipr
Director Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence.

The ancient quiet town was turned into celebration mood because their political father in the person of Minister of Defence, H.E. Muhammed Badaru Abubakar was in town to observe and celebrate the Eid Mubarak.

Prominent amongst those that paid Sallah homage to him at his residence included the Executive Governor of Jigawa State, H. E.
Mallam Umar A Namadi fca, the Speaker Jigawa State House of Assembly Rt Hon Haruna Aliyu Dangyatun Kayaddan Dutse ,Jigawa State APC Leader ,Alhaji Isa Gerawa and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Senator Mustapha Makama Kiyawa and other political stewart of the State.

Celebrating the Eid Mubarak and observing the Eid-Fitr Prayer together, they all prayed for H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for Allah’s guidance and protection as well as the Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E. Muhammed Badaru Abubakar CON, mni to be able to overcome the security challenges bedeviling the country.

Furthermore, they prayed for peace and tranquility to prevail in Jigawa State and Nigeria in general.

The Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E. Muhammed Badaru Abubakar, CON, has observed Eid el Fitr Sallah celebration at his home town Babura, headquarters of Babura Local Government Area of Jigawa state to mark the end of the holy Month of Ramadán.

While celebrating the end of Ramadan, he prayed for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for a successful tenure and also prayed for peace, joy and love for all Muslim faithfuls around Nigeria and the entire world.

He called on all Nigerians irrespective of their faith to show love to one another as a mark of Holy Ramadan.

Mallam Inuwa Bala led the eid El Fitr congregational prayer at Babura Gabas Eid prayer ground .

The Imam on his part, prayed for peace, unity and prosperity for the Local Government, State and the country at large.

The Minister received party Stewarts, illustrious sons of the communities and other Muslim faithfuls who paid Him Sallah homage at his private residence in Babura town of Jigawa State.

…Prays for Allah’s blessings to shower on us all

The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has prayed for Allah’s blessings for for H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, Muslim faithfuls, the gallant Armed Forces of Nigeria and Nigeria in general.

Matawalle made this solemn prayer as the month of Ramadan comes to a close.

He said: “I felicitate and extend my heartfelt wishes of peace, joy and spiritual fulfillment to all Nigerians and our gallant Armed Forces.”

Furthermore, he admonished all Nigerians to learn from the lessons and reward of this sacred time as a platform of guidance towards unity, compassion, righteousness and to unite us as one Nigeria.

“As we prepare to celebrate this Eid, may Allah’s blessings shower upon us all, bring prosperity and happiness to our nation,” he said.

…Calls for peaceful coexistence of all Nigerians

The Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar,CON, has commemorated with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, Armed Forces of Nigeria, Muslim faithfuls and the entire Nigerians as the world marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

This was contained in a Press statement signed by Henshaw Ogubike Mnipr, Director ( Information and Public Relations), Ministry of Defence.

He extended his heartfelt wishes of peace, blessings and spiritual upliftment to all Nigerians and specially commend members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Exhorting their commitment to nation building he said: “May the patience, sacrifices and the good deeds of the month inspire us to uphold good virtues of empathy, brotherhood and resilience.

He called for a peaceful coexistence amongst all Nigerians pointing out that in togetherness we will persevere and strive for a more peaceful, united and prosperous Nigeria.