BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Kaduna
The Arewa Joint Initiative for Peace (AJIP) has declared its firm support for the Minister of Defence, Bello Matawalle, describing recent calls for his removal as baseless, politically motivated and aimed at undermining national stability.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its Director General, Musa Danbaki, the group said the campaign against Matawalle was a “misguided attempt” allegedly sponsored by Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, to distract the public and weaken the fight against insecurity in the North.
AJIP said it was imperative to situate the ongoing criticism of the defence minister within what it described as “desperation-driven political manoeuvres,” insisting that Matawalle has remained committed to peace, security and transparency in the discharge of his duties.
According to the group, Matawalle’s sustained advocacy for security sector reforms and his efforts to dismantle criminal networks across the region have made him a target of unfounded allegations by political opponents seeking relevance.
The statement alleged that the attacks on the minister were part of a wider strategy to destabilise the support base of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections, noting that Matawalle has emerged as a strong ally of the President in the North.
“By targeting Matawalle, detractors are attempting to weaken the administration’s resolve to restore peace and promote development in the region,” AJIP said, urging Nigerians to resist what it called divisive tactics capable of deepening political fault lines.
The group commended the defence minister for what it described as measurable improvements in the security architecture, citing community engagement, collaboration with local leaders and efforts to address socio-economic drivers of insecurity as key elements of his approach.
AJIP further reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu’s administration, stressing that unity and cooperation among leaders remained critical to overcoming security challenges confronting the country.
It called on political actors and stakeholders to shun inflammatory rhetoric and focus on constructive dialogue and collective action in the interest of national cohesion.
“The strength of the North lies in its unity against common threats, not in personal vendettas that distract from the greater good,” the statement added.
AJIP urged residents of Zamfara State and the wider Northern region to remain vigilant against misinformation and to rally behind leaders committed to peace, security and development.
The group concluded by reiterating its “unwavering support” for Matawalle and the Tinubu administration, expressing confidence that sustained collaboration would pave the way for a more secure and prosperous Nigeria.
