Tinubu’s Order Dismissed as ‘Empty Drama’ by Zamfara PDP Following Matawalle’s Move to Kebbi

Following the kidnapping of 25 pupils from Government Girls’ Secondary School, Maga, President Bola Tinubu ordered Minister of State for Defense Bello Matawalle to move to Kebbi State. The Zamfara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized this order.

According to reports, President Tinubu ordered Matawalle to move to Kebbi in a statement made through Bayo Onanuga, his Special Advisor on Information and Strategy.

Matawalled was ordered to stay in Kebbi State in order to keep an eye on security measures to ensure the kidnapped students’ release.

However, PDP Publicity Secretary Alhaji Haliru Andi said in a statement on Saturday that the party, led by Jamil Jibo, saw the decision as another evidence of what it described as the APC-led government’s inability to put an end to Nigeria’s insecurity.

“Nothing but an empty drama designed to mislead Nigerians” is how Andi described the order requesting Matawalle to hurry to Kebbi.

Matawalle’s ability to handle security issues even in his own state was questioned by the PDP spokesperson.

“Even today, attacks continue in his own hometown, proving he lacks the competence and credibility to handle national security issues,” he stated.

“Nigeria has been utterly failed by the APC government,” Andi continued. The ruling party’s lack of planning, ability, and sincerity is demonstrated by the recent vicious attack on a church in Kwara, the kidnapping of students in Kebbi, the murder of General Uba in Borno, and innumerable murders and kidnappings around the nation.

He urged the APC to cease meddling in Nigerians’ lives and cautioned that the country needs serious leadership rather than political showmanship.

In response, Yusuf Idris, the Zamfara State APC Publicity Secretary, called the PDP’s comments “sheer madness” and an effort to jeopardize national security.

Idris claimed that the Zamfara PDP had decided to “sabotage the Federal Government through an unpatriotic statement which could be termed as felony” rather than offer sympathy to the victims of the kidnapping in Kebbi.

“The PDP chapter is trying to undermine security plans to rescue the kidnapped 24 students of Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga,” he stated.

Idris praised President Tinubu for postponing his planned G20 Summit travel to South Africa after learning of the kidnappings at the Kebbi school.

“This is the first time in the country where the president canceled his foreign trip due to the kidnapping of students,” he said.

He went on to say that other presidents had never halted operations amid comparable mass kidnappings.

“Kidnapping students began during President Jonathan with the Chibok girls, followed by Dapchi,” he declared. None of the previous presidents called off President Buhari’s engagement, despite the kidnapping of students from Jangebe, Kankara, and Federal College Birnin Yauri. Only President Bola Ahmed Tinubu values every citizen’s life.

Matawalle’s Record Is Defended by APC
When Matawalle was governor, he made “several efforts” to break up the networks of bandits, according to Idris, who also accused the current PDP-led state government of deserting the people.

“The PDP has nothing to defend regarding why banditry has continued in Zamfara State when they control the state government,” he stated. The governor has deserted the populace.

He contended that Governor Dauda Lawal “would be far away” and not even send consoling letters, whereas Matawalle used to visit victims and give relief supplies.

According to Idris, the Zamfara PDP has made several unsuccessful attempts to persuade President Tinubu to fire Matawalle.

He remarked, “One wonders what the PDP actually wants when they say they are unhappy to see the President directing Matawalle to ensure the rescue of the 24 schoolgirls.”