HURIWA urges northern political elites to support Matawalle’s call for unity and cooperation among leaders.
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged Northern political elites to exhibit steadfast loyalty towards President Bola Tinubu’s administration, based on recent developments that underscore the complexities prevalent in Nigeria’s political landscape. This plea comes after Dr. Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence offered similar advice to this group of leaders.
The call arrives at a time of heightened unease regarding the lack of safety in the northern area and the recent countrywide demonstrations titled “End Bad Governance”. The protests effectively voiced calls for military intervention, particularly originating from Northern Nigeria.
HURIWA, in a press release under the signature of its National Coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, reminded that Minister Matawalle had recently urged Northern political elites to demonstrate complete loyalty and present a united front towards President Tinubu’s government. The objective was evident; only by doing so could they conquer the rising tide of insecurity in the area.
HURIWA raised apprehensions regarding the response to Matawalle’s appeal, citing reports of protests instigated by certain Northern leaders with an aim to defame him and propagate unfounded allegations that jeopardize his credibility. This behavior is, according to HURIWA, counterproductive for achieving national unity goals and subverts the efforts of the President.
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HURIWA emphasized on the importance for Northern leaders to fully support the President’s vision due to their significant representation, especially in vital areas such as education. The fact that both Minister Professor Tahir Mamman, SAN and Minister of State Yusuf Tanko Sununu are from the North highlights this need further. Despite having a key leadership role in education, there is an alarming rate of out-of-school children in the region which necessitates proactive measures and unified leadership.
HURIWA pointed out that if the Northern elites had heeded Matawalle’s plea for complete allegiance, then the effects of recent protests would have been minimized. The group added that calls to overthrow the military, which mainly originated from northern regions, exposed a discord that could have been mitigated through collaboration.
Despite the current situation, HURIWA remains optimistic that Northern political leaders can still adjust their tactics. The organization has encouraged these leaders to follow Matawalle’s example and prioritize loyalty and adherence to the constitution. By doing so, not only would national unity be bolstered but initiatives tackling insecurity and other systemic issues could also receive a significant boost according to HURIWA.
Conversely, amidst the political unrest, HURIWA lauded the remarkable achievements of the Ministry of Defense and Dr. Bello Matawalle’s leadership at Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON). The association specifically highlighted impressive progress in defense manufacturing, an industry that has notably flourished during this administration’s tenure.
According to HURIWA, Nigeria used to heavily depend on foreign military equipment but is now becoming a center for advanced military hardware in Africa. The credit goes mostly to the revival of Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), which has been leading the country’s defense manufacturing endeavors. DICON has expanded its capabilities under Matawalle’s supervision and started producing sophisticated military hardware that numerous African nations are also acquiring from them.
The visionary leadership that has driven DICON’s growth to its present stature was commended by HURIWA. The association noted that the company’s expanding reputation as a dependable defense manufacturer is advantageous for Nigeria’s economy, resulting in an increase of foreign orders for military hardware which will likely bolster the country’s foreign exchange earnings while generating more job opportunities for skilled workers and lessening dependence on imported defense equipment.
HURIWA commended the Ministry of Defense for their commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s defense manufacturing industry, which will contribute significantly to national security and economic growth. The association acknowledges the passage of the DICON Act 2023 as a landmark achievement towards achieving self-sufficiency in defense production. HURIWA is confident that this legislation will empower DICON even further, enabling them to make valuable contributions toward bolstering national security and boosting economic progress while adhering well-defined global standards.
To sum up, HURIWA has restated its appeal for solidarity among political leaders from the North and urged them to support Minister Matawalle’s objectives. The organization also commended indigenous arms manufacture advancements made by the Defense Ministry, seeing it as proof of Nigeria’s potential and promise in world affairs.
