Nigeria’s main student organization has demanded the immediate firing of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) is reacting to serious public claims that the minister has ties to bandit terrorist groups.
In a strong statement released Monday, NANS leaders said the allegations show a “serious breach of trust.” They argue that a top official in charge of the nation’s security should not be linked to the very criminals harming citizens.
The student body stated these claims are especially damaging as Nigeria fights widespread violence and kidnappings. They believe such links, if true, would betray public trust and weaken the government’s own security efforts.
NANS has now issued a one-week ultimatum to President Bola Tinubu. They want Matawalle removed from his post to allow for a full and fair investigation. The group warns that failure to act will be seen as tolerating corruption.
The students have threatened major national action if their demand is ignored. They plan to mobilize members across the country to block major highways, causing widespread disruption, unless the minister is suspended.
This pressure places the government in a difficult position. It must balance a call for accountability from a large youth bloc against the need for due process for a sitting minister, all under the intense public focus on security failures.
