Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has criticized the Katsina Elders’ Forum for their recent threats against President Bola Tinubu potentially being re-elected in 2027. Matawalle questioned the legitimacy of the Elders’ stance, highlighting their silence on failures during the tenure of former President Buhari.
The minister condemned the Katsina Elders for issuing what he called a “reckless statement” on behalf of Northern Nigeria without considering the diversity of opinions within the region. He emphasized that the primary concern for Northern Nigeria should be the security of lives and property, a commitment attributed to President Tinubu.
Matawalle, on his way to a world conference for defence ministers in Riyadh and to perform lesser Hajj, expressed his dismay at the Elders’ selective criticism, questioning why they remained silent on Buhari’s failures, including security challenges and incomplete projects in the region. He challenged the legitimacy of the Elders’ Forum to speak on behalf of the entire North on such sensitive matters.
The minister urged the Katsina Elders’ Forum to rethink their position, cease creating tension, and focus on fostering unity for the overall development of Nigeria. He stressed that President Tinubu’s agenda is national, focusing on economic development, security, and the welfare of all Nigerians.
Matawalle also criticized the Elders for not supporting former President Muhammadu Buhari to win Katsina State in the 2023 presidential election. He further questioned their right to speak on behalf of the entire North. He also asked why the Elders did not ensure the former President completed the Abuja-Kano-Katsina road and the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport extension project before leaving office.
The minister urged the Katsina Elders to stop creating conflicts and focus on what binds Nigerians and Nigeria together for the development of the country.