By Musa Ubandawaki Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has issued a strong warning to opposition politicians, urging them to desist from actions and utterances capable of inciting Nigerians against the constitutionally elected administration of President Bola Tinubu, saying national interest must always take precedence over partisan politics. The minister particularly condemned the reported decision by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to engage a foreign lobbying firm to circulate decades-old documents relating to President Tinubu in the United States, describing the move as regrettable, unpatriotic and detrimental to Nigeria’s international image. Matawalle maintained that such actions neither strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions nor contribute meaningful solutions to the country’s pressing socio-economic and security challenges.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Personal Assistant on Media, Ahmad Dan Wudil, the minister said opposition leaders should redirect their energies toward supporting government efforts aimed at tackling insecurity, fostering national unity and improving the welfare of Nigerians rather than embarking on campaigns designed to discredit the country abroad. He stressed that the Presidency remains a sacred national institution and a symbol of Nigeria’s sovereignty that deserves respect irrespective of political affiliations or electoral differences. According to the statement, “No foreign government or lobbying firm will determine Nigeria’s democratic choices or overturn the mandate freely bestowed on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the Nigerian electorate.” The minister further declared that Nigeria’s political disagreements must never be allowed to undermine the country’s global reputation, insisting that patriotic leaders should project the nation’s interests positively before the international community.
Matawalle noted that recent commendation by United States President Donald Trump on President Tinubu’s leadership, particularly regarding enhanced security cooperation and the fight against terrorism, demonstrates growing international confidence in Nigeria’s current direction. He argued that such recognition should inspire national unity and collective support for ongoing reforms rather than encourage campaigns aimed at portraying the country negatively before foreign governments and institutions.
Summary from source