Insecurity: “This man has shown more loyalty to Tinubu” — Fani-Kayode blasts those calling for Matawalle’s resignation

Former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, has come out strongly in defence of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, following renewed calls for his resignation over persistent insecurity in Nigeria.

In a detailed post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, Fani-Kayode described the media campaign against Matawalle as “shameless and nauseating”.

He stressed that the minister has demonstrated remarkable loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and a steadfast commitment to tackling terrorism.

He wrote: “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.”

Fani-Kayode emphasised that Matawalle, together with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has been instrumental in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.

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

However, he expressed concern that these achievements have not been adequately publicised.

He also praised the recent appointment of General Christopher Musa, a former Chief of Defence Staff known for his efficiency, as Minister of Defence.

According to Fani-Kayode, the collaboration between Musa, Ribadu, Matawalle, and the newly appointed Service Chiefs is expected to significantly strengthen national security efforts.

The former minister urged Matawalle to remain focused despite ongoing attempts to discredit him. “I urge my friend and brother Matawalle to continue the good work and to ignore the ‘bad belle’ distractions,” he wrote.

Fani-Kayode described Matawalle as a “ruthless and courageous fighter who does not take prisoners in a fight or show the enemy any mercy,” adding that these traits have cemented their close relationship over the past 15 years.

He concluded his message with encouragement and solidarity, urging Matawalle to persist in defending the nation. “We are with you, my brother, and more importantly, God is behind you,” Fani-Kayode wrote.

Calls for Matawalle’s resignation have intensified in recent weeks, driven by public frustration over ongoing attacks by bandits and insurgents across the country.

Despite these pressures, supporters like Fani-Kayode insist that Matawalle’s strategic role and dedication to security reforms should be recognised rather than undermined.