Arewa Joint Initiative for Peace has condemned what it described as a coordinated smear campaign against the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, accusing the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) of engaging in divisive and unpatriotic conduct.
Addressing a press conference in Kaduna on Tuesday, the group said the sustained attacks on Matawalle were aimed at undermining ongoing efforts to address insecurity in Northern Nigeria, insisting that the minister has remained committed to peace, stability and national security.
The spokesperson of the group, Ambassador Aminu Abbas Arabi, said Matawalle has demonstrated courage and consistency in confronting the security challenges bedevilling the region, noting that his approach combines military coordination with community engagement to tackle the root causes of violence.
According to the group, recent statements credited to the CNG were not only misleading but also injurious to the collective interest of the North, stressing that such actions distract from the urgent need for unity in the face of banditry, insurgency and other security threats.
The Arewa Joint Initiative for Peace accused the CNG of prioritising political interests over regional welfare, describing its attacks on the minister as a “political witch-hunt” rather than constructive engagement aimed at strengthening governance and accountability.
It argued that Matawalle’s role in supporting security agencies and advancing defence reforms has yielded measurable improvements in safety across some troubled communities, adding that targeting him amounts to undermining the broader quest for peace.
The group called on the CNG to reconsider its posture and abandon what it termed a destructive narrative capable of deepening division within the region, urging northern groups to close ranks and support genuine efforts to restore stability.
The Arewa body also appealed directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remain vigilant against what it described as political merchants seeking to derail security gains, while encouraging the President to continue backing leaders committed to national cohesion and security.
Reaffirming its full support for Matawalle, the group urged political leaders, civil society organisations and citizens to rally behind initiatives that promote peace and development, insisting that Northern Nigeria can only overcome its challenges through unity, dialogue and responsible leadership.