Criticism of Matawalle baseless, malicious — Fani-Kayode

Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has condemned recent criticisms targeted at the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, describing the attacks as baseless, malicious and driven by political motives.

In a statement posted on X, Fani-Kayode said the wave of allegations against Matawalle was part of a “vicious campaign” designed to discredit him despite his commitment to strengthening national security.

He insisted that the minister has remained steadfast in supporting President Bola Tinubu’s administration and has played a significant role in ongoing security reforms.

Fani-Kayode further attributed what he described as notable improvements in counter-terrorism operations over the past two years to the combined efforts of Matawalle and the Office of the National Security Adviser, adding that security agencies have recorded measurable gains under their coordination.

He urged Matawalle to remain focused on his responsibilities and resist distractions from what he called unfair and orchestrated attacks.

The former minister also expressed confidence that the appointment of General Christopher Musa as Minister of Defence would reinforce national security management and enhance operational synergy across the security architecture.

Full Text Reads:

I find the vicious media campaign that has been orchestrated by the opposition against the Minister of State for Defence, @Bellomatawalle1, shameless and nauseating.

I say this given the fact the fact that this man has shown more loyalty to @officialABAT and more commitment to the war against the terrorists than virtually anyone else since assuming office.

The combination of him and NSA @NuhuRibadu, has resulted in the killing of more terrorists in the last two years than in the previous 8 put together.

My only grouse is that for some reason they do not make this public and let the world know about it which I think they should.

Now that General Christopher Musa, who was an extreemly efficient Chief of Defence Staff, has been appointed Minister of Defence I have bo doubt that the combination of him, Ribadu and Matawalle together with the other new Service Chiefs will make an even greater difference.

I urge my friend and brother Matawalle to remain focused, to continue the good work and to ignore the “bad belle” distractions despite all efforts to discredit and undermine him.

I together with many others have confidence in him and wish him well. I know him to be a ruthless and courageous fighter who does not take prisoners in a fight or show the enemy any mercy.

It is those traits, which I share, that endears him so much to me and that has made us as close as we have been over the last 15 years.

I urge him to keep up the good fight, to do our nation proud and to give the enemies and troublers of our nation hell.

We are with you my brother and more importantly God is behind you.

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