The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has thrown its weight behind the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, describing him as a valuable member of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and calling on the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to shelve any planned protests against him.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its Deputy President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and National Spokesman, Chief Chinenyeze Ohia, Ohanaeze said recent calls for demonstrations against the minister were unnecessary and could distract him from his work at a critical time.
The group said Matawalle has been playing an important role in the Federal Government’s fight against terrorism and banditry, noting that recent security operations in parts of Kebbi State and other northern areas have led to improved safety for many communities. According to Ohanaeze, these efforts are being carried out under the direction of President Tinubu and in collaboration with other top security officials.
Ohanaeze also suggested that the criticism against Matawalle may be politically driven, alleging that some individuals and groups are targeting key figures in the administration as part of early moves ahead of the 2027 general elections. The organisation said the minister’s perceived effectiveness and loyalty to the President may have made him a target.
The group expressed concern over what it described as the increasing involvement of NANS in partisan politics, warning that such actions could shift students’ focus away from their primary mission of promoting education and student welfare.
Rather than staging protests, Ohanaeze urged NANS to concentrate on issues directly affecting the education sector. It also encouraged the student body to recognise recent gains in the fight against insecurity, including the rescue of abducted students and other victims.
In addition, the organisation appealed to parents to advise their children against participating in activities that could threaten national stability, stressing the importance of education, personal growth and responsible civic engagement.
Commending President Tinubu for appointing Matawalle as Minister of State for Defence, Ohanaeze said Igbo communities living in northern Nigeria have witnessed improved security since the administration took office in 2023.
The group reaffirmed its support for the Federal Government’s security approach and called on Nigerians to remain united and exercise restraint as efforts continue to restore peace and stability across the country.
