The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) and the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) have advocated for the Minister of State for Defence to remain in office to sustain the successes achieved in the fight against insecurity.
This is even as the group averred that, under President Tinubu’s directive, and with the pivotal role played by the state Minister of Defense Matawalle, the country has witnessed a significant transformation in the security landscape that has benefitted the lives of countless citizens.
According to the northern groups in separate statements issued by it’s Chairman Salihu Suleiman for NAN and Yerima Shettima for AYCF, “Before the relocation of Matawalle to Sokoto, the North-West was consumed by the terror of banditry and kidnapping, becoming an unfortunate battlefield for both criminals and innocent civilians.
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“The virulent spread of these heinous acts turned our communities into frontline danger zones, leading to a situation where survival was an everyday struggle for our people. However, today, we find ourselves in a vastly improved security atmosphere, which can be attributed to focused efforts at restoring peace and safety to our beloved region.
The statement noted that under Matawalle’s stewardship, “we have seen concerted efforts to pin down bandits and dismantle their networks, pushing them into isolated enclaves.
“This has significantly curtailed their reach and influence, allowing our citizens to gradually reclaim their lives and livelihoods. It is therefore important to acknowledge that the resilience and strategic direction provided by Defence Minister Matawalle have been instrumental in advancing the Tinubu administration’s promise of enhanced national security, Salihu states.
For AYCF Shettima, as residents of the North, they understand the gravity and implications of living under constant threat, and we realize just how precious this newfound progress is. To those who may dismiss the importance of these developments due to their self-interest in the conflict, we remind them that firsthand experiences must not be oversimplified or underestimated.
“The peace we are beginning to enjoy is a collective triumph deserving of gratitude and reflection, the group stressed.
Moreover, “we are grateful for the aid and support from our international partners, whose contributions have been vital in fortifying our fight against these insurgent threats”, Shettima stressed.
NAN and AYCF however said, while they celebrate these achievements, the must underscore that the journey towards lasting peace is far from over.
In order to secure a comprehensive victory over insecurity, we urge President Tinubu to retain Mohammed Matawalle in his critical role as Defence Minister.
“His continued leadership is essential for navigating the complexities of this ongoing battle and ensuring that our resources are used effectively and judiciously.
Shettima said, “Victory in this fight will only be realized through a full cessation of hostilities, disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of former combatants within the region.
Both groups reaffirmed their support for the efforts being made by the government and military in combating insecurity, adding that they remained resolute in their belief that, with sustained commitment and understanding of our obligations under the law, we can ultimately achieve a safer and more secure North-West.
