My Brothers Were Given Ministers Of Defence, This Is The Most Insulting Portfolio – Mahdi Shehu

GLatestAugust 17, 2023

1 minute read

Nigerian political analyst, Mahdi Shehu, has strongly criticized President Tinubu’s recent appointment of Mohammed Badaru and Bello Matawalle as defense ministers. AShehu expressed his astonishment at the choice, labeling it the “most insulting portfolio.”

President Bola Tinubu unveiled the roles of the 45 confirmed ministerial nominees, with notable attention on the appointments of Badaru and Matawalle. Both individuals, who hail from diverse backgrounds, were handed the responsibilities of Defence Ministers, specifically as Minister of Defence and Minister of State Defence.

Shehu, in his statement, underscored the incongruity of the appointments. He highlighted that Badaru, an accountant, and Matawale, an administrator from Zanfarawa state, lack the military or security background expected for such crucial roles. This incongruence is further emphasized as they are expected to oversee the defense ministry amidst pressing security challenges.

Shehu conveyed his concern that the appointments could lead to a lack of effective decision-making and action in crucial times. He pointed out that they would be heavily reliant on military assistance, which may not be of their choosing, thereby undermining their authority and decision-making capacity.

He said “The most interesting portfolios of all the portfolios are the portfolios of my brothers, Badaru and Matawale, former governor of Zanfarawa state. They were given ministers of Defence, Senior and Junior. Ironically, this is the most insulting portfolio. They are not generals, they are not Security agents, they are not former police personnel. Baduri is an accountant, and Mattawale is an administrator from Zanfarawa state.

“When they get to the defense ministry the first thing they will see is that they will send them military assistance (MAs), not of their choice. These are people who cannot deploy a single man, a single army to any location without approval by the president and their zone is burning, under siege yet they are called defense ministers.”