The Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC) has spoken out against what it describes as a series of coordinated efforts to discredit the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle. In a recent statement, NDYC denounced the protests and criticisms directed at Matawalle, calling them unfounded attempts to destabilize President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The NDYC pointed to a protest held outside the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters in Abuja, involving a faction of youth and women from Zamfara State. The protest, which attributed recent spikes in insecurity to Minister Matawalle, was dismissed by NDYC as politically motivated and baseless. The youth group claimed that linking the Minister’s former role as Zamfara governor to current banditry is a narrative driven by political interests rather than fact.
In the statement, the NDYC suggested that the protests were orchestrated by political actors within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and were encouraged by Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal. NDYC expressed its concern that these tactics are aimed at creating division and distrust within the country for partisan advantage.
Praising Minister Matawalle’s dedication to national security and community welfare, the NDYC emphasized his longstanding efforts to foster peace and security across Northern Nigeria. The organization commended President Tinubu’s decision to retain Matawalle as an endorsement of his steadfast commitment to national security.
The NDYC called upon the Minister to remain resilient and continue his work to counter threats posed by criminal groups. They urged Nigerian youth, particularly from the Niger Delta and Northern regions, to be discerning in evaluating these protests and to prioritize national unity over political agendas.
Reiterating its commitment to Minister Matawalle, the NDYC also signaled its readiness to mobilize in defense of leaders who work for Nigeria’s security and progress. The statement concluded with a call for collective resolve, encouraging Nigerians to stand firm against forces that could disrupt the country’s peace and stability.