Sani Shinkafi, a former Zamfara State governorship candidate, has called for significant changes. He urged President Bola Tinubu to sack the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle. Shinkafi also recommended scrapping the Ministry of State for Defence entirely.

Call for Matawalle’s Removal

Shinkafi’s demand comes after a viral old video resurfaced. The video shows Matawalle appearing to sympathize with bandits. Channels TV recorded it in 2021. At that time, Matawalle served as Zamfara State Governor. He was seen defending some troublemakers in the state.

Matawalle made these comments at the State House in Abuja. This was after a meeting with then-President Muhammadu Buhari. When questioned by journalists about bandit activities in Zamfara, Matawalle stated, “Not all of them are criminals.”

Shinkafi released a statement through the Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development. In it, he urged President Tinubu to investigate the video.

Shinkafi emphasized the gravity of the situation. He noted Matawalle’s 2021 interview. In that interview, Matawalle, then governor, said “not all bandits are criminals.” This comment has gone viral. Shinkafi believes it portrays Matawalle as a bandit sympathizer. He stated Matawalle is therefore “incapable of combating them.”

Shinkafi pointed out another critical issue. The current Minister of Defence, General Musa, previously served under Matawalle. General Musa was then Chief of Defence Staff. Shinkafi argued it would be inappropriate for Matawalle to stay. This is to prevent “personality clashes” under General Musa.

General Musa is a distinguished military officer, Shinkafi added. He should have full autonomy to reorganize the Defence Ministry. This will help address future challenges. Shinkafi stressed that no sentiment or partisan politics should hinder this overhaul. Nigeria is currently in a “state of emergency on security.”

“Therefore, I call for Bello Matawalle’s immediate sack,” Shinkafi declared. He described Matawalle’s tenure as “a sad commentary” on the fight against terrorism. Shinkafi suggested Matawalle should resign honorably. If not, he should be sacked, like former Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru who resigned. National security must always come before political interests, Shinkafi stressed. He added, “The whole world is watching us.”

Rationale for Scrapping the Minister of State for Defence Office

Shinkafi also demanded the “immediate scrapping” of the Minister of State for Defence office. He called it “unnecessary.” Furthermore, he labeled it “an aberration in military command.”

He explained that a serious national defence system does not split command. Nigeria’s current system is flawed, he argued. The senior minister lacks control over the maritime domain. This area is vital for national security and the economy. Instead, the Minister of State for Defence oversees it.

The Pension Board also falls under the junior minister’s purview. This board manages veteran welfare. Crucially, the Defence Industries Corporation is not under the senior minister either. This corporation is key to Nigeria’s defence ecosystem. It involves companies, agencies, and institutions. They develop and supply military equipment.

“We cannot have two ministers running parallel administrations,” he stated. This is especially true now, with severe security challenges. Cooperation is needed across all sectors. Security experts agree the Minister of State for Defence office should be scrapped. “It is time to get rid of it,” Shinkafi concluded.