The Northern Christian Youth Coalition (NCYC) has called for the immediate removal of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, over what it described as grave allegations capable of undermining the integrity of Nigeria’s security architecture.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its National Coordinator, Jeremaid Hudso Bako, the group said its demand was driven by the need to entrench accountability and restore public confidence in government institutions, particularly within the nation’s defence and security sector.
The coalition welcomed the recent dismissal of Farouk Ahmed, former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), describing it as a positive step towards transparency and accountability in public service. However, it urged the Federal Government to apply the same standard to other senior officials facing serious allegations.
According to Bako, the allegations against Matawalle are deeply troubling, especially given the sensitive nature of the defence portfolio and the prevailing security challenges confronting the country.
He stated that reports linking the Minister of State for Defence to actions that allegedly compromise the nation’s defence apparatus cannot be ignored, particularly at a time when Nigeria is grappling with widespread insecurity, including banditry, terrorism and other forms of violent crime.
“The defence of our nation is a sacred duty that demands the highest standards of ethical conduct and accountability,” Bako said, adding that retaining an official under credible allegations in such a critical position poses serious risks to national stability and public trust.
The NCYC described the defence ministry as a “sacred trust” responsible for safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and protecting its citizens, warning that any perceived compromise in leadership amounts to a betrayal of the trust reposed in public officials.
The group further stressed that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must ensure that its stated commitment to transparency, accountability and good governance is reflected in decisive action against officials whose conduct raises integrity concerns.
Bako warned that failure to act on the allegations against Matawalle would send conflicting signals and undermine the administration’s anti-corruption posture.
He said the call for Matawalle’s removal goes beyond addressing individual misconduct, noting that it is also intended to set a precedent that accountability is non-negotiable in public office.
The coalition urged President Tinubu to act swiftly and decisively on the matter, insisting that the safety and security of the nation depend on the integrity of those entrusted with leadership.
The NCYC said it stands ready to support any measures aimed at promoting a clean, transparent and accountable government that prioritises the welfare and security of Nigerians.
