Matawalle encourages all appointees to support and defend Tinubu’s administration, or they may choose to step down from their positions.
By Abayomi Odunowo.
Mr Bello Mohammed Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, has urged individuals appointed by President Bola Tinubu from the North to defend the government against what he perceives as “intimidation and misrepresentation.” In a statement released on Monday, Matawalle emphasized the need for unwavering support and acknowledgment of the achievements of President Tinubu’s administration.
Matawalle’s call to action comes as a response to criticisms of President Tinubu’s administration by Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed. The statement was shared by Mr Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, on his social media platform. Matawalle emphasized the importance of standing up and speaking out in the face of opposition, rather than remaining silent.
In a time of heightened scrutiny and criticism, Matawalle’s call serves as a reminder to all appointed individuals to be vocal advocates for the administration they serve. By actively defending and promoting the government’s efforts and accomplishments, they can contribute to its success and combat negative portrayals. It is a call to arms for unity, solidarity, and unwavering support towards a common goal.
As a Minister in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, I feel it is important to address the recent controversy surrounding the attack on our administration by a spokesman of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF). In response to my stance against this unjust criticism, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, who was once the spokesperson for the NEF and currently serves as a Special Adviser on Political Matters in the Presidency, expressed a differing opinion.
Dr. Baba-Ahmed referred to my defense of the administration as ‘ill-advised’ and suggested that I could have handled the situation better. It is worth noting that Dr. Baba-Ahmed has a close affiliation with the NEF, which may have influenced his perspective on the matter.
While I respect Dr. Baba-Ahmed’s opinion, I stand by my belief that the attack on President Tinubu’s administration was unwarranted and baseless. We are a government committed to the progress and development of our nation, and any attempts to undermine our efforts must be met with the necessary defense. It is essential that we work together to move our country forward and address the challenges that lie ahead.
As the governor of Zamfara State, it is important for me to address the recent comments made by the minister, regarding the responsibilities of government appointees. The minister emphasized the need for appointees to work towards the success of the government, defend it against unjust attacks, and promote its achievements across all sectors. This is a sentiment that I wholeheartedly agree with.
In a democratic society, it is essential for government officials to prioritize the interests of the public and the administration they serve. It is their duty to support the government’s policies and initiatives, and to ensure that they are being implemented effectively. Furthermore, they must also defend the government against any baseless criticisms or attacks, especially those driven by ethnic or personal biases.
By upholding these principles, government appointees can contribute to a positive and constructive political environment, where the focus is on creating real change and progress for the people. I commend the minister for his commitment to these values and urge all government officials to follow his example in promoting the common good and serving the interests of the public.
As appointees of the government from the North, it is imperative that we stand up and be unequivocal in our support for the administration we serve. In the face of intimidation and misrepresentation of the efforts and achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, it is our duty to speak up and defend the truth.
Silence in the face of such attacks is not an option. We must all take a stand and be counted in the roll of honors for our dedication and hard work towards the success of the administration. Our loyalty and unwavering support should not be doubted or questioned.
This is not the time to shy away or stay on the sidelines. We must show our commitment and dedication to the ideals and goals of the government we represent. We must be willing to defend our actions and decisions, and not be swayed by external pressures or criticisms.
In conclusion, as appointees of the government from the North, we must be bold, resolute, and unwavering in our support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. We must stand up to be counted for being on the side of the government, or take our exit.
