Bello Matawalle has made much impact particularly on security situation in North, Nigeria – Tunau

Says Zamfara Governor, Dauda Lawal, is Intimidated by Matawalle’s achievements

By IBRAHIM KANOMA, Gusau

The Publicity Secretary of the Forum, Suleiman Tunau Anka, who is a former Commissioner of Information, said, “Bello Matawalle has made so much impact particularly on the security situation.”

The Forum for Former Commissioners who served under former Governor Mohammed Bello Matawalle, has stated that Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, is intimidated by the former governor’s achievements both as a governor then and now as Minister of State for Defence.

The forum stated this during a press conference in Gusau, the state capital, on Monday December 8, 2025.

The Publicity Secretary of the Forum, Suleiman Tunau Anka, who is a former Commissioner of Information, said, “Bello Matawalle has made so much impact particularly on the security situation.”

He said, “Despite distractions from detractors seeking to tarnish his reputation, the Honourable Minister remains committed to delivering on national assignments, even while abroad.”

“His international engagements since assuming office have yielded meaningful results, including successful mediation and bilateral agreements with Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and other partner nations in areas of defence cooperation and technology transfer aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s military capability,” he said.

Tunau further said as former member of the House of Representatives, Matawalle served as Chairman of the House Committee on Security and Intelligence, giving him a deep understanding of national security dynamics and making him highly suited for his current role.

“During his tenure as Governor of Zamfara State (2019-2023), he adopted both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to reduce insecurity, improving peace and stability in the state beyond what citizens experience today under Dauda Lawal,” he said.

Suleiman Tunau enumerated some of what he called the Matawalle’s enhanced Maritime and Oil Infrastructure Security and promoted a list of same.

“He successfully safeguarded onshore and offshore maritime oil facilities, contributing to an increase in national oil output to an unprecedented 1.8 million barrels per day and boosting foreign earning

“Through his leadership, DICON began indigenous assembly and production of various calibres of arms and ammunition for the Nigerian Armed Forces and for export to African countries.

“He significantly enhanced military pension administration and the welfare of retired service members, achieving progress unmatched in recent years.

“He oversaw the smooth take-off of this major security operation with its forward base in Sokoto under the 8th Division of the Nigerian, Army.

“Matawalle led and coordinated the successful release and reunion of the 24 abducted students of Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State, with their families.

“Matawalle served as the North-West Coordinator for the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign in 2023, delivering overwhelming electoral success across the region.

“He remains a consistent supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policies and programmes and is widely acknowledged for his loyalty and commitment to national stability.

“He stands as one of the most dependable political figures in Northern Nigeria in terms of dedication to the success of the current administration,” he said.

According to Tunau, the Former Commissioners’ Forum condemns the actions of certain media outlets and individuals sponsored to malign Honourable Matawalle.

“We also express strong disapproval of the Zamfara State Governor and his associates who continue to spread unfounded and misleading information against one of Northern Nigeria’s most distinguished sons.

“We urge them to take a cue from other regions of the country that steadfastly protect the reputation of their own leaders.

“The forum call on , President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to retain Honourable Bello Mohammed Matawalle in his position as Minister of State for Defence.

“His continued service will further strengthen national security structures, particularly as the nation heads toward the 2027 general elections,” he said.