BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Kaduna
A northern socio-political group, Arewa Joint Initiative for Peace (AJIP), has rallied behind the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawalle, accusing the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) of orchestrating what it described as a politically motivated smear campaign against the minister.
AJIP made its position known on Wednesday during a press conference in Kaduna, where its spokesperson, Aminu Abbas Arabi, condemned recent criticisms of Matawalle by the CNG, describing them as misleading, divisive and harmful to the collective interests of northern Nigeria.
Arabi said the attacks on the defence minister amounted to “misinformation and character assassination,” warning that such actions undermine ongoing efforts to address insecurity in the region.
He added that the posture of the CNG reflected “indecision and inconsistency” that aligns it with forces bent on destabilisation rather than progress.
The group highlighted Matawalle’s record in public service, particularly his role in security reforms, collaboration with local communities and efforts aimed at tackling banditry and insurgency. According to AJIP, these interventions have contributed to noticeable improvements in safety across parts of the North.
“To attack Matawalle is to attack the very foundation of peace we so desperately need in our region,” Arabi said, insisting that the minister’s leadership at the Ministry of Defence remains critical to restoring order nationwide.
AJIP also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remain vigilant against what it termed the “machinations of political merchants,” alleging that the agenda of the CNG is self-serving and capable of undermining the security gains recorded under the current administration.
The group accused the CNG of sowing division rather than promoting dialogue and unity at a time when the North is grappling with banditry, insurgency and socio-economic challenges. “These issues demand a united front, not fragmented factions working at cross purposes,” Arabi stated.
Reaffirming its support for Matawalle, AJIP urged political leaders, civil society organisations and citizens to close ranks in the pursuit of peace and prosperity in northern Nigeria, while rejecting what it described as “divisive tactics” by the CNG.
However, the Coalition of Northern Groups had earlier raised concerns over what it described as disturbing revelations contained in confessional statements allegedly made by Musa Muhammad Kamarawa, a former aide to the current Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.
In a statement signed by its national coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the CNG said the allegations went beyond political controversy, raising serious moral and security questions about possible high-level complicity in criminal networks fuelling insecurity in the North.
The coalition claimed that Kamarawa allegedly detailed issues relating to the transfer of funds to a notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, procurement of Hilux vehicles and provision of logistics, including housing and cattle, allegations which continue to generate sharp reactions across the region.
