The Northern Elders Progressive Group has described the recent endorsement of President Bola Tinubu by residents of Zamfara State as timely and a morale-booster for the administration’s commitment to good governance.
The position was contained in a statement released on Monday in Sokoto by the group’s Coordinator, Alhaji Yusuf Abubakar.
Abubakar applauded the Minister of State for Defence and former Zamfara State Governor, Mohammed Bello Matawalle, for what he called his strategic political leadership and continued efforts to tackle insecurity across the northern region. He noted that the minister’s visit to Zamfara had contributed significantly to improving security and restoring hope in affected communities.
“It is indeed a blessed visit, considering the progress recorded, particularly the intensified military operations against bandit enclaves in the region,” he said.
According to him, sustained military action remains the most effective approach to ending banditry and other forms of insecurity, far more reliable than negotiations or dialogue.
He praised Matawalle for his support of military operations that have helped dismantle criminal hideouts in Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto and Kebbi states, despite previous attempts at reconciliation with bandit groups.
The group further commended the ongoing efforts of Operation Fatsan Yamma, urging President Tinubu to continue strengthening operational capacity and boosting troop morale in frontline states.
“While we acknowledge the President’s efforts, we hope to see even greater improvements in the fight against banditry and other criminal threats, especially in vulnerable northern communities,” Abubakar stated.
He also welcomed the endorsement of President Tinubu by Zamfara residents ahead of the 2027 elections, saying such support would encourage the President to intensify efforts toward enhancing security, peace and economic growth nationwide.
The group additionally praised the Nigerian military for its resilience and dedication to safeguarding lives across the region.
—
In a separate development, President Tinubu has charged the Super Eagles to regain their winning spirit by aiming for victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu commended the team for their efforts during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers despite their defeat in the playoff against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
He urged the team to put the setback behind them and focus on preparations for the upcoming AFCON, scheduled for December 2025 to January 2026.
Nigeria’s World Cup hopes were dashed after Congo DR edged out the Super Eagles in a tense playoff match on Sunday night in Morocco.
Leave a comment