Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has stated that Northerners are the greatest beneficiaries of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, dismissing claims of marginalization against the region.
In an interview with journalists on Tuesday, Matawalle highlighted numerous benefits derived by the North, including strategic appointments and infrastructural development.
“The North has received significant benefits from President Tinubu’s administration,” said Matawalle, listing key appointments held by Northerners. Among these are his position as Minister of State for Defence and Mohammed Badaru Abubakar as Minister of Defence. Other notable appointments include Muhammed Idris as Minister of Information and National Orientation, Ali Pate as Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Abubakar Kyari as Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, and Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim as Minister of Youths.
Additional appointments cited by Matawalle include Yusuf Tuggar as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Atiku Bagudu as Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Joseph Utsve as Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Shuaibu Audu as Minister of Steel Development, Sabi Abdullahi as Minister of State for Agriculture, Zephaniah Jisalo as Minister of Special Duties, Tahir Maman SAN as Minister of Education, and Yusuf Sununu as Minister of State for Education.
Other key positions mentioned are Ibrahim Geidam as Minister of Police Affairs, Hon Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim as Minister of State for Police Affairs, Bello Goronto as Minister of State for Water Resources, Ahmed Dangiwa as Minister of Housing and Urban Development, and Abdullahi Gwarzo as Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development. The North also holds appointments such as the National Security Adviser, Director-General of the DSS, Director-General of the NIA, Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Air Staff, Group Managing Director of NNPCL, and MD of Nigerian Ports Authority.
Matawalle underscored President Tinubu’s commitment to security, citing efforts in the defence sector, including strategic policy development, counter-terrorism initiatives, capacity building, community engagement, regional security cooperation, humanitarian support, oversight, and coordination.
The Minister called on Northern political leaders to support President Tinubu in implementing his Renewed Hope Agenda to revitalize the nation’s economy and politics. He emphasized that no political opposition could unseat President Tinubu or prevent him from contesting the 2027 Presidential election.
“The alleged moves by some selfish Northern politicians masquerading as oracles for the North are merely power plays by unpatriotic individuals without grassroots support,” Matawalle added.
