Northern Christian Youth Coalition demands sack of Matawalle over allegations
The Northern Christian Youth Coalition (NCYC) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sack the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, over what it described as grave allegations that undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s security architecture.
The group made the call in a statement issued on Thursday by its National Coordinator, Jeremaid Hudso Bako, stressing the need for accountability and the restoration of public trust in government institutions.
Bako said the recent dismissal of Farouk Ahmed, former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), was a positive step toward transparency in public service, but argued that similar standards should apply to other top officials facing serious allegations.
According to him, the accusations against Matawalle are deeply troubling, particularly because they relate to national security at a time when the country is grappling with banditry, terrorism and other forms of violence.
“The allegations surrounding Bello Matawalle are grave and cannot be overlooked. Reports indicate that he has been implicated in various activities that compromise the integrity of our defence apparatus and, by extension, the safety of our citizens,” Bako said.
He described the defence portfolio as a “sacred trust” that demands the highest standards of ethical conduct, transparency and accountability, adding that retaining any official under credible allegations could further weaken public confidence.
Bako warned that failure to act would send a contradictory message and undermine the Tinubu administration’s stated commitment to good governance, transparency and accountability.
“The removal of Bello Matawalle is not just about addressing individual misconduct; it is about setting a precedent for future governance and reinforcing the principle that accountability is non-negotiable,” he added.
The coalition urged President Tinubu to act swiftly and decisively, insisting that the safety and security of the nation depend on the integrity of those entrusted with leadership roles.
