As whispers of an impending cabinet reshuffle swirl through the corridors of power, one name that must remain untouched is that of Dr. Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence.
In the ever-delicate art of governance, a wise leader knows better than to swap a diamond for a stone. Matawalle, with his commitment and undeniable results, is the kind of rare gem Nigeria cannot afford to lose, especially in these perilous times.
In the wake of the North-West’s banditry crisis, Matawalle has proven to be a formidable force, bringing much-needed results. His recent move on September 3, leading a crucial military operation alongside service chiefs and high-ranking personnel to Sokoto, speaks volumes. The operation, which aimed to flush out bandits and other criminal elements, culminated in the demise of some of the region’s most notorious bandit kingpins: Kachallah Halilu Buzu, Kacalla Ɗan Baleri, and Kacalla Dogo Kwaɗɗi, among others.
These figures had terrorized communities for far too long, casting a long shadow of fear and insecurity. Matawalle’s operation didn’t just clear the smoke; it extinguished the fire that had long scorched the North-West. In a country where security remains a top concern, such feats cannot go unnoticed.
Matawalle’s resolute stand against banditry in the North-West shows not just his dedication but his effectiveness. The region, long held in the grip of these criminals, is finally seeing the dawn of peace, and it is largely due to his no-nonsense approach. His tenure as Minister of State for Defence has been nothing short of exemplary, a shining testament to his understanding of the country’s security challenges and his determination to tackle them head-on. They say you don’t change a winning team, and Matawalle’s scorecard places him squarely on that winning side.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, known for his astute political judgment, should not make the mistake of trading away a man like Matawalle in a reshuffle aimed at picking stones. The battle against banditry is not one that can be won overnight. It requires consistency, strategy, and a firm hand—qualities Matawalle has consistently displayed.
In a time when Nigeria is plagued by insecurity, it would be akin to shooting oneself in the foot to replace a man who has proven himself on the battlefield and in the corridors of defence.
In essence, Nigeria stands at a crossroads. The decisions made today will either bolster the nation’s fight against insecurity or set it back. Matawalle, with his track record, has demonstrated that he is part of the solution.
President Tinubu, while contemplating changes to his cabinet, should remember that in the delicate dance of politics, some partners are too good to let go. And in Matawalle, the President has found a partner who is not just capable, but indispensable. To lose him now would be to undo the progress that has been painstakingly built, and in the game of governance, that is a risk Nigeria cannot afford.
Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu
Journalist Writes from Katsina