President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to inaugurate the ministerial appointees today, 21st August 2023, barring any last-minute changes. In a surprising twist of events, President Tinubu has appointed the immediate past Zamfara State Governor, H.E Dr. Mohammed Bello Matawallen Maradun, as the Minister of Defense (State).
This move, like almost all nominations and appointments, has generated mixed reactions from different quarters. Abuja Network News conducted findings to reveal some of the reasons that might have influenced this decision.
Firstly, Matawalle served as the Governor of Zamfara State for a significant four-year tenure. The state has been plagued by banditry, cattle rustling, and farmer-herder clashes for decades. In fact, it was where the whole crisis began and spread to other parts of northern Nigeria.
Serving as the state Governor from 2019-2023 provided Governor Matawalle with the opportunity to witness the crisis firsthand. It also gave him the requisite knowledge of the remote and immediate causes of the conflict.
It is worth noting that Governor Matawalle was the first Governor to inaugurate a panel of inquiry into the crisis. The panel, headed by a former Inspector General of Police and other prominent members of the state, most of whom were retired security personnel with a remarkable achievement record. After their work, the causes of the conflict, victims, suspects, and factors influencing the said conflict were pinpointed, and solutions were proposed.
These experiences gave Bello Matawalle ample opportunity to understand the conflict and the actors involved.
Another major reason for his appointment is that, as Governor, Bello Matawalle was the first to officially engage the bandits and the victims in dialogue, proposing disarmament plans. Although the plan did not achieve real success, it was a step in the right direction that allowed Bello Matawalle to hear directly from both the perpetrators and victims of the violence.
Moreover, Bello Matawalle was the first Governor to initiate an inter-state alliance with neighboring Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna, and Niger states. This alliance aimed to form an inter-state force to fight the bandits and restore normalcy in the affected areas.
From the above, it can be deduced that Bello Matawalle possesses ample knowledge of the conflict that engulfs most parts of North Western and Central Nigeria. Thus, his appointment as the Minister of State for Defense can be considered a well-thought-out decision by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
We can only hope that H.E Bello Matawalle succeeds in this task, both for our sake and for the sake of future generations.
Furthermore, Bello Matawalle's track record as Governor of Zamfara State speaks volumes about his leadership and commitment to tackling security challenges. During his tenure, he implemented several initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of the conflict. These included efforts to promote dialogue, disarmament, and rehabilitation of bandits and repentant fighters.
Under his leadership, Zamfara State experienced a significant reduction in violent incidents. The establishment of peace committees in different local government areas helped to foster peaceful coexistence among various communities. Matawalle's approach emphasized the importance of inclusivity and community engagement in resolving conflicts.
Additionally, Bello Matawalle's understanding of the security landscape goes beyond Zamfara State. He recognized the interconnected nature of the crisis, which extends to neighboring states. By fostering an alliance with Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna, and Niger states, he demonstrated his commitment to regional cooperation in tackling the menace of banditry and other forms of insecurity.
The inter-state force initiative spearheaded by Matawalle showcased his ability to mobilize resources and coordinate efforts across state boundaries. This strategy not only strengthened the security apparatus in the affected regions but also signaled a new era of collaboration in addressing common challenges.
Moreover, Bello Matawalle's appointment aligns with President Tinubu's vision of finding fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the nation's security challenges. As a young and dynamic leader, Matawalle brings a fresh approach to the Defense Ministry, which has long been plagued by bureaucratic bottlenecks and outdated strategies.
His appointment reflects a recognition of the need for a pragmatic, hands-on approach to security issues. Matawalle's experience on the ground, coupled with his dedication to finding lasting solutions, positions him as a beacon of hope in Nigeria's Defense Ministry.
However, it is important to note that the task ahead is daunting, and success cannot be guaranteed overnight. The complexities of the security situation require a multifaceted approach that addresses not only the immediate threats but also underlying socio-economic factors that fuel the conflict.
Bello Matawalle will need to work closely with other security agencies, intelligence services, and international partners to develop comprehensive strategies for combating banditry, insurgency, and other forms of criminality. Collaboration at both the national and regional levels will be crucial in sharing information, pooling resources, and coordinating efforts effectively.
In conclusion, the appointment of H.E Bello Matawalle as the Minister of Defense (State) brings hope for a new era in Nigeria's security landscape. His wealth of experience, innovative ideas, and demonstrated commitment to peacebuilding make him a worthy choice for this important role. As Nigerians, we must rally behind him, offering our support and encouragement as he seeks to restore peace and security to our beloved nation. With unity and collective effort, we can overcome the challenges and build a safer, more prosperous future for all.
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