The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle has criticised recent comments by the Northern Elders Forum regarding the presidency of Bola Tinubu.
The NEF recently said it regretted supporting President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general election and would prioritise someone who is seen as “more inclusive, less controversial, and more aligned with the interests of all regions of the country”.
Reacting, Matawalle stressed that members of NEF lack the authority to speak for the entire region, noting that they have become a political burden to Northerners.
He said “The so-called NEF is more or less a political paperweight trying to embark on a destructive journey that will bring the North to disrepute for the group’s personal and selfish gains.
“This NEF is more of a political burden to Northerners. The group is seeking to erode other people’s rights in order to be recognised or made relevant in the scheme of things despite the failure of their sponsored candidates in the 2023 general elections.
“In as much as many have overlooked them in respect of their utterances, it is pertinent to underscore their overbearing attitude on issues that affect political unity and cohesion. They can not offer any positive idea or thought about the future of Northern Nigeria or, indeed, of Nigeria and its unity and togetherness.”
He noted that the NEF are in no position to undermine nor threaten to unseat the president.
He encouraged the NEF members to reconsider their stance and focus on common goals rather than creating divisions within the region.
