Sani Shinkafi, a former Zamfara State governorship candidate, has urged President Bola Tinubu to sack the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle. He also called for the immediate abolition of the Ministry of State for Defence.
The Controversial Video Incident
Shinkafi’s demand stems from a viral old video. In the 2021 clip by Channels TV, Matawalle appeared to show sympathy for bandits. He was then the Governor of Zamfara State.
The video captured Matawalle defending some “troublemakers” in the state. He made the comment at the State House in Abuja. This followed a meeting with then-President Muhammadu Buhari.
When journalists questioned him about bandit activities in Zamfara, Matawalle stated, “Not all of them are criminals.”
Shinkafi’s Call for Investigation and Removal
Representing the Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development, Shinkafi urged President Tinubu to investigate the video. He released a statement outlining his concerns.
Shinkafi described Matawalle’s interview as “more importantly” depicting him as a “bandit sympathiser.” He believes this makes Matawalle “incapable of combating them.”
Concerns Over Command Structure
Shinkafi also highlighted a potential conflict within the Defence Ministry. He noted that General Musa, the current Minister of Defence, previously served as Chief of Defence Staff under Matawalle.
He argued that Matawalle’s continued presence could lead to “personality clashes.” Shinkafi advocated for General Musa to have a free hand. This would allow him to reorganize the Ministry of Defence effectively.
He stressed that overhauling the security architecture must be free of sentiment. Partisan politics should not play a role. Nigeria is currently facing a security state of emergency, he added.
Demand for Matawalle’s Sack or Honorable Resignation
“I call for the immediate sack of Bello Matawalle,” Shinkafi stated. He described Matawalle’s tenure as “a sad commentary” on the fight against terrorism.
Shinkafi suggested Matawalle should resign honorably. He cited the example of former Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, who voluntarily resigned. “National security supersedes political interests,” he affirmed.
Call to Abolish Minister of State for Defence Office
Shinkafi further demanded the immediate scrapping of the Minister of State for Defence office. He called it “unnecessary and an aberration in military command.”
He explained that a robust national defence system avoids split command structures. Currently, the senior minister lacks control over critical areas. These include the maritime domain, which is vital for national security and the economy.
Additionally, the Pension Board and Defence Industries Corporation fall under the junior minister. Shinkafi argued against “two ministers running parallel administrations.” This is especially problematic given current security challenges.
He concluded that “security experts are in one accord” that the office should be abolished. “It is time to get rid of it,” he affirmed.
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