By Yunusa Usman
Former President-General of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), Convener of the Northern Stakeholders Consultative Initiative (NSCI), and Kaduna Central senatorial hopeful for 2027, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, has rubbished calls for the removal of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.
He described such calls as crude political blackmail aimed at weakening President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s influence in the North-West. He insisted that the President is far too experienced and strategically grounded to be manipulated by election-driven pressure or persuaded to sacrifice regional stability in order to appease political mischief masquerading as security advocacy.
How did you view the recent position of the United States President, Donald Trump, on Nigeria’s security situation?
When that statement came from President Trump, I was not particularly surprised. I have always known him to be a very rugged individual by nature. He has behaved this way not only toward Nigeria but toward other parts of the world as well. Often, his pronouncements do not necessarily translate into concrete actions. That is why, initially, I did not expect the issue to go as far as it did.
However, having said that, one cannot also sit back and assume that nothing could happen. When Trump wants something, especially where his interests are concerned, he can go all out to pursue it. For that reason, I commend the Nigerian government for taking the matter seriously and addressing it through appropriate diplomatic channels. The government has demonstrated both capacity and willingness to manage the situation responsibly.
It is important to remember that Nigeria is a sovereign nation. We are not under the control or influence of any foreign power. This is an internal issue that affects Nigerians directly. No external force, no matter how well-intentioned, can fully understand or feel the impact the way Nigerians do. Even where others may have an interest, it is only indirect.
I also appreciate the efforts of the government in clearly demonstrating that this insecurity has nothing to do with religion or ethnicity. It is a national problem that affects everyone, Christians, Muslims, and even non-religious citizens alike. Everybody is a victim.
So, after this diplomatic approach towards that development, what do you expect from the US?
What I expect from the American government, is not rhetoric but support, particularly in areas such as technology and intelligence that could help our security forces do their work more effectively. I am aware that a committee has been set up involving the National Security Adviser and other stakeholders. They have visited places like Benue, Plateau, and other affected areas, consulting widely and engaging communities.
So far, consultations are ongoing, and from what I understand, the initial intention behind those statements has already been dropped. I believe that, at the end of the process, the committee will come out with a fair and balanced report. We should therefore avoid being too pre-emptive about the outcome of the joint engagements between Nigeria and the United States.
But, within the period following that pronouncement, we saw an increase in kidnappings and killings in states like Kwara, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kano…
Yes, this is part of a broader strategy by enemies of the state both internal and external, who seek to exploit such narratives to create chaos and justify false claims already pushed into the public space. Some individuals thrive when there is instability and will attempt to capitalize on it.
That said, the situation has gradually improved. Security agencies are doing better following the rejigging of the security architecture, including changes in leadership and strategy. The appointment of the new Chief of Defence Staff and other adjustments have begun to change the narrative positively. So far, so good. The signs are encouraging.
Nigerians were unanimous in their support for the appointment of the new Defence Minister Gen CG Musa, but, they are also suggesting that the Minister of State, Defence, Bello Matawalle should step down for a fresher hand. What do you say to that?
The question is: what exactly is meant by “fresh”? For me, this is about doing what naturally ought to be done, and Matawalle is performing. We should not forget that as a Minister of State, he did remarkably well. In the absence of effectiveness from the substantive minister at the time, Matawalle stepped in and did a lot.
Within the security circles themselves, those who are on the ground, those who feel the realities, hear directly from the troops, and understand their challenges speak highly of Matawalle’s performance and activeness. He consistently reaches out to security personnel, looks into their welfare, discusses issues affecting them, and regularly visits to boost their morale. These are not small contributions.
Some critics argue that Matawalle is not a security expert and does not have a formal security background?
But globally today, no country approaches insurgency and terrorism through purely kinetic means alone. Non-kinetic strategies have proven effective worldwide. You also cannot dismiss experience, and Matawalle brings substantial experience to the table.
He was a former governor of Zamfara State, and anyone who recalls the situation in Zamfara when he assumed office can attest that he performed creditably. Before he eventually lost the election through what many believe were political manoeuvres that prevented his return with the backing of the central government that time, his record as governor was clear. It is on record what he achieved just a few years ago.
Even recently, behind the scenes, Matawalle has done a lot to salvage the situation for our people. For me, the combination of General Musa, Nuhu Ribadu, and Bello Matawalle is one of the best security leadership arrangements Nigeria has ever had. I can assure you that Nigerians will see even more positive results going forward.
Recently, there was also a viral video allegedly linked to a bandit leader terrorising Nigerians along the Zamfara and Sokoto axis, Kachala Bello Turji. What do you make out of the claims in that video?
When I saw that video, I considered it a normal reaction born out of frustration. Often, when you are genuine in what you are doing, believe strongly in your cause, and put God first, solutions will emerge even if others do not expect them.
After several failed attempts by criminals to achieve their aims through kidnapping, Matawalle was involved in efforts that led to the rescue of 24 female students and some of their teachers in Kebbi State. That success provoked further anger among criminal elements, and out of frustration, they began making all kinds of claims and accusations.
Suddenly, narratives emerged alleging that Matawalle was a sponsor of banditry. However, in a rare and revealing moment, an individual believed to be a bandit came out publicly to say: “If you want to politicize issues, leave my name out of it.” What was he saying? He was clearly stating that Matawalle had nothing to do with bandit sponsorship.
In fact, the same individual cited how over 70 of his family members and lieutenants were killed during Matawalle’s time as governor, including one of his own blood relatives. He asked how anyone could expect him to forgive or support a man responsible for such losses. That statement alone was a strong vindication.
Matawalle has also publicly sworn on the Holy Qur’an, in the presence of respected Islamic scholars and community leaders, that he has no link whatsoever with bandits. For Muslims, there is nothing more sacred than the Qur’an, and such an oath carries enormous weight.
Sometimes, when results begin to emerge, people become suspicious and start imagining conspiracies because they cannot understand how progress is being made. But that is exactly what Matawalle has demonstrated: results. Naturally, assumptions and rumours will arise, but they do not change the facts.
Let me repeat this clearly: globally, no country relies solely on kinetic approaches to address insurgency and banditry. Effective security today is a blend of strategy, intelligence, engagement, and experience and that is what is currently being demonstrated.
Even in developed countries in the Western world, security challenges are no longer handled the old way. The United States, Russia, and others have all shown that approach. Look at Israel recently, or the conflicts involving Russia and America you will see that even after wars, engagement becomes inevitable. You must engage non-state actors, bring people to the table, and have difficult conversations. Whether one likes it or not, that is now the global reality.
A very clear case study is Kaduna State. When the former governor, Nasir El-Rufai, insisted that there would be no negotiation, no dialogue, and no engagement, the situation worsened daily. Killings increased. It got to a point where people could not travel from Kaduna to Abuja by road due to fear; fear of bandits, kidnappings, and the unknown.
When Governor Uba Sani came on board, the approach changed completely. Today, whether you like it or not, what matters to the people of Kaduna State is the result. And yes, the governor has achieved results. Today, people can move freely again. Areas like Birnin Gwari, which were once no-go areas, are now accessible. Just yesterday, a team I sent to Birnin Gwari went and returned peacefully without fear, without tension.
That alone tells you that whichever approach works to protect lives, ensure safety, and allow people to move freely is not a bad idea. The responsibility of any leader is simple: protect the people, safeguard their welfare, and secure their interests. All the people ask for is peace and when they get it, that is success.
If this same approach is what Bello Matawalle applied in the past and it yielded results, then what exactly is his responsibility if not to protect lives and ensure peace? That is what governance is about.
Are you aware of a rumour that Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State met President Bola Tinubu abroad, demanding the removal of Matawalle if he wants him to defect to APC?
To be honest, that is absurd. The Tinubu I know would never fall into such a trap. It is frankly foolish to imagine that he would sack Matawalle on that basis.
As we speak today, in the entire North-West, there is no one who has stood by President Tinubu, fought for him, and is willing to stake everything for him more than Bello Matawalle. If Tinubu removes Matawalle now, it would create a vacuum that his enemies are waiting to exploit, especially with elections approaching.
Those pushing for Matawalle’s removal should look at their own antecedents. They are nothing but enemies of the government. Their aim is simple: weaken the President’s grip on the North-West so that, by extension, they can cause him to fail politically. God forbid.
President Tinubu is too smart, too exposed, and too experienced to be blackmailed into doing what he knows is wrong. He is a city man, not a novice, and he has refused to fall into that trap. That is why their plans have failed and today, we are beginning to see results.
For us, we stand firmly with Matawalle. Let them continue with their noise, fake stories, and propaganda. The truth is that they are afraid, afraid because his popularity continues to grow. Some of them fear that if he so wishes, he could resign and contest the governorship election again, in line with the electoral law, and that frightens them.
That fear is why some people are allegedly spending huge sums of money funding strange groups, spreading fake news, and attaching baseless allegations to his name, all in an attempt to stigmatise him and make him unpopular. But to God be the glory, Matawalle has done well.
We commend him. I will always stand by him because he has performed, and we are proud of him as one of our own. Those who cannot manage their own states and fulfil their responsibilities as chief security officers should focus on their duties. If they cannot deliver peace to their people, they should step aside instead of distracting others with unnecessary noise.
A few days ago, the idea of rebuilding the headquarters of the Bank of Industry in Lagos generated a lot of controversy, especially from the North. Don’t you think that may reduce the chances of President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027?
You see, certain decisions of the government must be viewed from a strategic perspective. Personally, I am not even aware of a final announcement. And even if such a move is being considered, there must be reasons behind it. Lagos, for instance, remains the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria. If certain institutions function more effectively from there, then the overriding consideration should be national interest. This is not about the personal property or preference of President Tinubu; it is about what works best for the country. From my point of view, there is nothing fundamentally wrong with that.
On the broader question of public perception, you cannot stop people from making noise. A few individuals will always oppose government actions, no matter what. But beyond the noise, the reality is clear: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has performed commendably so far. Compared to the previous administration, may the late President Muhammadu Buhari rest in peace, there have been noticeable efforts and progress.
For that reason, we must support the President and encourage him to continue the work he has started. He has done a lot, and we are not among those who claim he has done nothing simply because of personal sentiments or political bias. We believe he is on course and doing fairly well.
As responsible citizens, our duty is to support positive governance and constructive leadership. And that is exactly what we will continue to do. God bless Nigeria!
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