A prominent citizens’ advocacy group has condemned recent attacks targeting the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle. The Coalition for Truth and National Interest (CTNI) described these renewed criticisms as unfair. They stem from an old video clip.

Comrade Olatokunbo Olawoyin, CTNI’s national president, issued a strong statement. He warned against efforts to politicize a year-old video. He said this was solely for narrow partisan benefits.

The civic group labeled the attacks on Matawalle as “opportunistic.” They argued these criticisms ignored the broader security realities Nigeria faced when the video was recorded. CTNI urged the public to consider verifiable contributions. They advised against emotionally charged fragments taken out of context.

“Recycling old footage for political point-scoring undermines reasoned discourse,” Olawoyin stated. “It distracts from pressing national security issues. Such acts do not reflect the minister’s long-standing commitment to stabilizing Nigeria. Nor do they reflect his current vital role in the nation’s defence structure.”

The coalition highlighted Matawalle’s recent achievements in national security. They specifically cited his instrumental role in the successful rescue of schoolgirls abducted in Kebbi State. This operation, they explained, demanded significant coordination, tact, and a deep understanding of Nigeria’s security environment.

It underscored the minister’s capacity to act decisively in critical situations. “Look at the recent rescue of abducted students from Government Girls Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State,” Oluwatoyin said. “That successful operation was no accident. It was the result of experience, careful planning, and a thorough understanding of North-West insecurity.”

He added, “Those who focus solely on past footage ignore his current contributions to national stability.”

The coalition further appealed to Nigerians. They asked them to distinguish between understanding insecurity’s causes and condoning criminality. They cautioned that conflating the two could unfairly vilify public officials. These officials are actively engaged in security management.

“At a time when the country faces multiple security pressures, the government needs competent hands,” the statement noted. “It needs people who understand both operational demands and the human dimensions of conflict. Minister Matawalle is one such asset.”

The group also called on the media and public. They urged them to prioritize national interest over sensationalism. They warned against letting social media narratives distort perceptions of public servants’ performance.

“Nigeria is at a critical juncture. We cannot afford to be distracted by manufactured controversies,” the statement concluded. “This is not the time to weaponize old videos. We must not pursue narratives that undermine those committed to stabilizing the nation. The country needs unity, sober analysis, and a commitment to facts, not outrage theatre.”

CTNI concluded by urging citizens to focus on current evidence of service and leadership. They reiterated that Matawalle remains a valuable member of President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet. He is a key contributor to ongoing efforts to strengthen national defence and internal security.