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By John Ogunsemore
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a seven-day ultimatum for President Bola Tinubu to remove Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle over his alleged links with bandits pending an investigation into the matter.
The national student body made the demand in a Monday statement signed by its Senate President, Usman Adamu Nagwaza.
NANS said it was shocked and appalled by the allegations against the minister, which it described as a serious breach of trust.
According to Nagwaza, the allegations have also raised questions about the minister’s integrity and fitness to hold public office.
He maintained that the Tinubu administration must be transparent and accountable in its handling of the issue.
The statement reads, “The allegations against Bello Mattawale are particularly disturbing given his position as a government official responsible for defending the country against security threats.
“His alleged relationship with bandits is a betrayal of the trust reposed in him by the Nigerian people and undermines the government’s efforts to combat insecurity.
“On this note, we demand the immediate removal of Bello Matawalle as Minister of State for Defence pending investigation into the allegations.”
“This is necessary to ensure that the investigation is conducted fairly and without interference, and to prevent any further damage to the country’s security.
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“It is no gain saying that the Minister’s alleged relationship with bandits has emboldened these criminals and has led to the displacement of innocent Nigerians.
“It is imperative that Bello Matawalle is removed from office to prevent further harm to the country and to restore confidence in the government’s commitment to security.
“We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take swift action to address this issue and ensure accountability.
“The Nigerian people will not tolerate corruption or complicity with terrorists, and it is essential that the government takes decisive action to address these allegations.”
Nagwaza emphasised that NANS would not stand idly by while the government is perceived to be condoning corruption and complicity with bandits.
He said the removal of the minister must be done within one week or Nigerian students would mobilise for a protest across the nation.
He said, “To this end we hereby issue a week ultimatum for his removal or we will mobilise massively, Nigerian students across the structures and organs of our association to block all major highways in their respective states until our demand is addressed and met.
“It is therefore sacrosanct that the government takes immediate action to investigate the allegations against Bello Matawalle and bring him to justice if found guilty.
“The rule of law must be upheld, and those responsible for any wrongdoing must be held accountable.
“The Nigerian people deserve to know the truth about the allegations against Bello Matawalle, and we will do everything in our power to ensure that justice is served.”
