Defence Ministry: Matawalle vows to prove his critics wrong

Mohammed Bello Matawalle, the newly appointed Minister of State for Defence, has vowed to prove his critics wrong.

Following his appointment, some individuals criticised the portfolio assigned to Matawalle, saying his administration as Zamfara governor battled insecurity significantly.

However, in his reaction, the Minister of State for Defence, while speaking at a reception organised for him in Abuja, said he is confident in his ability to handle the job, adding that he will work hard to secure the nation.

Matawalle said, “I have heard some people saying my brother Badaru (Minister of Defence), and I cannot serve as ministers of defence; these people do not even understand what security is.

“Therefore, this is not where the problem is; what matters most is one’s determination, courage, and opportunity.

“When I was governor of Zamfara State, we took all necessary measures to secure the state. There was a time when we went 100 days without any security challenges. We also spent nine months without a single person being harmed.

“All measures I took to curb the security problems in Zamfara State, I have to do it first, and other governors followed suit. This is because I have a strong understanding of security matters.

“I have good news for the people of Zamfara State that I will not disappoint them. I believe that with God’s help, we can overcome the security challenges. Those who say Badaru and I cannot do it will be ashamed. They will see that God is doing the work, not them.”

He added, “In the past, we were asking for help. But now, we are in a position to help others.”