Tinubu Strikes Back! Ministers And Top Aides Ordered To Counter Northern Elite Criticism

According to Punch, several ministers and top officials have become increasingly vocal in countering negative narratives, allegedly following directives from the Presidency to challenge dissenting voices.

Leading the charge is the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, who has openly criticized former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, for what he described as reckless and inflammatory comments against Tinubu’s administration. Matawalle labeled Amaechi’s remarks as “dangerous and divisive,” especially at a time when the government is focused on bolstering national security and unity.

Matawalle also took aim at the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), which recently expressed regret over supporting Tinubu in the 2023 general elections. He dismissed the NEF as a “political burden” to the North, accusing its leaders of prioritizing personal agendas under the guise of regional advocacy.

El-Rufai vs. Ribadu: A Growing Rift

Adding to the political tensions, a heated exchange has erupted between former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. El-Rufai accused Ribadu of “serious amnesia” for allegedly denying past statements where Ribadu supposedly labeled Tinubu as the “most corrupt” politician. El-Rufai pointed to records from a 2006 Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, claiming that Ribadu, then Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), made similar corruption allegations against Tinubu.

Ribadu, however, has denied these accusations and, through his legal counsel, demanded a public apology from El-Rufai, escalating the political feud further.

Foreign Affairs Minister Claps Back at Bauchi Governor

In a related development, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has fiercely responded to Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who recently accused Tinubu’s administration of failing to fulfill its promises. Tuggar defended the administration’s record and criticized Mohammed for what he termed unfounded and politically motivated allegations.