The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has formally passed a vote of confidence in Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, dismissing recent allegations linking him to banditry and calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to back him amid political controversy. The student body described the accusations as baseless and politically motivated, asserting that they undermine national unity at a time when insecurity remains a critical challenge for the country.
In a statement issued on 17 December 2025, NANS President Comrade Usman Adamu Nagwaza said the association conducted internal consultations and a review of the matter before concluding that Matawalle should be supported rather than targeted. NANS characterised the allegations which include claims of contact with criminal elements as part of a broader effort to politicise national security for personal or factional gain.
The students urged President Tinubu to publicly support the minister and protect him from what they described as “campaigns of calumny,” insisting Matawalle deserves backing as investigations continue. NANS also called on the Federal Government to consider stronger security measures, including potentially declaring a state of emergency on insecurity to empower and intensify operations against criminal groups.
Supporters of Matawalle say the vote of confidence reflects broader public sympathy for the minister’s role in national affairs, even as critics maintain that questions about conduct and accountability should be addressed through formal channels.
