In a bold and emotionally charged open letter to President Bola Tinubu, Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, a former governorship candidate in Zamfara State and Patron of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council 2023, has ignited a fiery debate by demanding the immediate scrapping of the Ministry of State for Defence. But here’s where it gets controversial: Shinkafi doesn’t stop there—he also calls for the removal of Bello Matawalle, the current Minister of State for Defence, arguing that both the office and its holder have outlived their usefulness in safeguarding Nigeria’s national security. And this is the part most people miss: Shinkafi believes this move would empower the newly appointed Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, to effectively coordinate the fight against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry without bureaucratic interference.
Shinkafi’s letter, titled ‘Urgent Need for the Scrapping of the Ministry of State for Defence and Sack of His Excellency Bello Matawalle…’, paints a grim picture of Nigeria’s security landscape. He highlights the alarming rise in terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities, particularly in the northern states. For instance, he points out how banditry has forced governors to negotiate with criminals who impose taxes on rural farmers, a situation so dire that even Kano State, historically a safe haven, is now affected. Here’s the kicker: Shinkafi argues that the porous borders in the North West, shared with Niger Republic and Benin Republic, have become gateways for smuggling, illegal weapons, drugs, and migration, exacerbating the crisis.
The appointment of General Christopher Musa as Minister of Defence was widely celebrated, Shinkafi notes, due to his patriotism, professionalism, and proven track record in combating insecurity. However, he questions how Musa can effectively lead when the Ministry of Defence is split into two parallel administrations, with Matawalle overseeing critical areas like the maritime domain, the Pension Board, and the Defence Industries Corporation. Is this division of power a recipe for inefficiency? Shinkafi certainly thinks so, and he’s not alone.
Shinkafi doesn’t hold back in his critique of Matawalle. He cites numerous allegations against the minister, ranging from questionable integrity to alleged sympathies with bandits, both during his tenure as governor of Zamfara State and now as a federal minister. Here’s a thought-provoking question: Can someone with such a controversial background and limited educational qualifications—Matawalle’s highest credential is reportedly vocational training, not equivalent to a senior secondary school certificate—be trusted to handle national defence during a state of emergency on security? Shinkafi firmly believes the answer is no.
He emphasizes that national interest must supersede partisan politics, especially when it comes to security. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, clearly states in Section 14(2)(b) that the security and welfare of the people are the primary purpose of government. So, why the delay in taking decisive action? Shinkafi urges President Tinubu to listen to the overwhelming public demand to scrap the Ministry of State for Defence and remove Matawalle, arguing that this is not just a political move but a necessary step to unify the command structure and enhance efficiency.
Shinkafi concludes by calling on Nigerians to voice their opinions and join the clamor for change. Here’s the ultimate question for you: Is the current structure of the Ministry of Defence helping or hindering Nigeria’s fight against insecurity? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation that could shape the future of our nation’s safety.
