Protesters Demand Sacking of Defence Minister at N’Assembly

The protesters, gathered at the complex, chanted solidarity songs and displayed banners with various inscriptions, including ‘Sack Bello Matawalle now’ and ‘Our defence budget not in safe hands.’

The Civil Society Advocacy Groups for Accountability and Probity, the organization behind the activists, also accused the minister of “romancing bandits” responsible for the loss of lives and property worth billions of naira in the northern part of the country.

In front of the National Assembly, Danesi Momoh, the leader of the group, addressed the media and called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio to pressure the President for the removal of Matawalle from his position.

“Appointing an ineffective leader as the Minister of Defence may have been one of the biggest mistakes of this administration. However, the Senate can correct it by using their voice in that direction,” he said.

He added, “We urge the Senate to intervene and ensure his immediate removal to restore hope in good governance.

“Let us also assure you that we understand the limitations of your role, but it is crucial for the national interest that you fulfill that role. We will also mount pressure on President Bola Tinubu, as the responsibility ultimately lies on his table, to replace him. The Senate must play its part; it should assist in relieving him of his public office space.”

In response to the protest, Salihu Abdullahi, the Director of Sergeant at Arms at the National Assembly, received the petition on behalf of Akpabio. He expressed satisfaction with the peaceful and orderly conduct of the protesters and assured them that he would convey their grievances to the appropriate authorities.