In a formal appeal directed at the Presidency, the Northern Christian Youth Coalition (NCYC) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to relieve Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, of his duties.
The advocacy group maintains that the Minister must address “grave allegations” that they believe are currently compromising the nation’s security framework.
National Coordinator Jeremaid Hudso Bako released a statement on Thursday, the 18th of December, 2025, emphasizing that the request is rooted in a desire to restore public confidence and ensure institutional accountability.
Bako referenced the recent exit of Farouk Ahmed from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) as a positive benchmark for governance.
However, he argued that this same level of scrutiny should be applied to the Ministry of Defence.
Regarding the necessity of consistent standards, Bako stated: “The recent dismissal of Farouk Ahmed, the former chief executive officer, CEO, of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, serves as a crucial reminder of the need for accountability in public office. While we commend this action, we must insist that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration extend this cleansing process to include the Minister of State for Defense.”
The coalition expressed deep unease regarding the nature of the claims against the Minister, suggesting that they directly impact the safety of the Nigerian populace during a period of heightened insecurity.
Explaining the severity of the situation, the group noted: “The accusations against Bello Matawalle are not only severe but also deeply troubling, as they touch upon issues of national security that are paramount to the stability and safety of our nation. 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 defense apparatus and, by extension, the safety of our citizens.”
“In a time when insecurity looms large over our nation, with rampant banditry, terrorism, and other forms of violence threatening the very fabric of our society, it is unacceptable to have a Minister of State for Defense whose actions may exacerbate these challenges.”
The NCYC characterized the management of the nation’s security as more than a political role, describing it instead as a “sacred trust.” Bako warned that any perception of compromise within the Ministry of Defence represents a significant failure.
The statement continued: “The defense of our nation is not merely a bureaucratic function; it is a sacred duty that demands the highest standards of ethical conduct and accountability. As Northern Christian Youth Coalition, we are deeply concerned about the implications of retaining an individual in such a critical position when there are credible accusations against him.”
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“The Ministry of Defense is tasked with safeguarding our nation’s sovereignty and ensuring the protection of our citizens. Any compromise in this regard is not just a failure of leadership; it is a betrayal of the trust placed in public officials by the people. We believe that the integrity of our government must be upheld, and this can only be achieved through decisive action against those who threaten it.”
The NCYC concluded by stating that the Tinubu administration’s reputation for good governance hinges on its willingness to address these internal concerns. Bako warned that inaction would weaken the government’s message of reform.
“The failure to act against Bello Matawalle would send a contradictory message, undermining the very principles that the administration seeks to uphold. It is essential that the government demonstrates its resolve to cleanse the ranks of leadership of any elements that may threaten the stability and security of our nation.”
“Moreover, the Northern Christian Youth Coalition believes that the removal of Bello Matawalle is not just about addressing individual misconduct; it is about setting a precedent for future governance. It is a clarion call for all public officials to understand that their actions have consequences and that accountability is non-negotiable. We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take this opportunity to reinforce the values of integrity and accountability within his administration, ensuring that all officials are held to the highest standards of conduct.”
“The Northern Christian Youth Coalition calls upon the President to act swiftly and decisively in the matter of Bello Matawalle’s continued tenure as Minister of State for Defense. The time for action is now, as the safety and security of our nation depend on the integrity of those who lead us. We stand ready to support any measures that will contribute to the establishment of a clean and accountable government, one that prioritizes the welfare of its citizens above all else.”