The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has passed a vote of confidence in Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle. The student body dismissed allegations linking him to banditry as baseless and politically driven.
Okay News reports that NANS Senate President Usman Adamu Nagwaza issued the statement in Abuja, Nigeria’s federal capital. It rejected claims that Matawalle maintains contacts with terrorist commanders or provides support.
NANS described the accusations as media blackmail and persecution. It argued they aim to politicise national security for selfish gains.
“We have it on good notes that he is merely a target of media blackmail and political persecution,” Nagwaza stated.
“NANS as an organization does not represent such barbarism. We are mainly concerned about Nigeria as a nation and the citizens therein, especially the students,” he added.
The association highlighted a lack of evidence supporting the claims. Independent probes, including by journalists, found them unfounded.
NANS urged unity against worsening insecurity. It called the targeting unfair when collective effort is needed.
The student body appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for stronger support of Matawalle. It requested protection from defamation campaigns.
Nagwaza advocated declaring a state of emergency on insecurity. He pushed for greater empowerment of armed forces against criminals.
“To this end, we therefore urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to give Minister Matawalle the necessary support as he faces investigation into the allegations and protect him from campaigns of calumny,” the statement read.
“We strongly believe that Matawalle is a dedicated public servant who has the best interests of the country at heart,” it concluded.
NANS called on Nigerians to reject character assassination politics. It emphasised supporting the defence ministry during critical times.
This endorsement reflects student priorities on security and governance stability. It underscores debates over allegations against public officials in Nigeria.
The stance promotes focus on national unity amid ongoing banditry challenges in parts of the country.
