- Senator Kabiru Marafa rebukes Bello Matawalle for derogatory remarks against Northern elders, emphasizing their importance and contributions to the region
- Marafa urges Matawalle to retract his statement, highlighting concerns about its potential impact on President Tinubu’s electoral prospects
Senator Kabiru Marafa of Zamfara State, a stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima 2023 Presidential Campaign in the state, has rebuked Mr Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, for his disparaging remarks against Northern elders.
Matawalle, in a recent statement titled ‘Tinubu Presidency: Northern Elders Forum, a political burden to the North,’ labelled the Northern Elders as ‘paperweights’ and ‘a burden,’ asserting they don’t represent the region.
Responding to Matawalle’s statement, Marafa emphasized the importance of highlighting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s accomplishments in the North during the first 10 months of his administration rather than demeaning Northern elders.
Marafa stressed that insulting the elders, who contributed significantly to Tinubu’s electoral success, undermines the president’s efforts to address various national challenges like terrorism, insurgency, and economic malfeasance.
He reiterated that President Tinubu seeks support and hard work from his appointees to realize the Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing the need for respect and loyalty over sycophancy.
Marafa called on Matawalle to retract his offensive statement and promptly apologise to Northern elders and Northerners at large. He highlighted concerns from stakeholders that such remarks could impact Tinubu’s electoral prospects in the region.
Assuming his closeness to Tinubu and understanding of the president’s esteem for the North, Marafa clarified that Matawalle’s views were personal and not reflective of the president’s stance.
He concluded by affirming that Northern elders are integral to the region’s fabric and assured that President Tinubu shares this sentiment.