The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has issued a strong statement in response to the troubling revelation of a $50,000 blackmail scheme targeting Nigeria's Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle.
According to a report by the Pacific News Times, an offer was made to a group of Arewa youths to orchestrate a smear campaign against the Minister, potentially undermining Nigeria's national security. NAN Chairman, Salihu Sulaiman, who signed the statement, characterized this revelation as "incontrovertible proof" of a larger conspiracy aimed at destabilizing Nigeria's security framework.
"The audacity of offering $50,000 to compromise the credibility of a high-ranking Minister reflects the serious intent of these destabilizing forces," said Sulaiman. "This suggests a coordinated effort, fueled by international actors, to undermine governance and national cohesion in Nigeria."
The NAN statement also highlighted the recent emergence of a video featuring notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, making unsubstantiated allegations against Minister Matawalle. The timing of these allegations, coupled with the foiled #Endbadgovernance protests, and the ugly dimensions they took in northern Nigeria have painted a grim picture of an orchestrated campaign intended to destabilize the North and weaken the federal government's machinery.
Ambassador Abdul Danbature, one of the organizers of the protests, disclosed that the offer came to him from a foreign source through a local intermediary. This detail accentuates the fears voiced by the Arewa Network regarding the involvement of foreign powers in the unnecessary protests over domestic Nigerian strife. The fact that a sum as significant as $50,000 was allegedly offered to tarnish the image of a senior government official points to a meticulously orchestrated campaign with potentially dire consequences. This campaign appears to transcend mere political rivalry, revealing a concerning agenda fueled by actors whose interests lie outside Nigeria’s stability.
The Arewa Network characterizes this blackmail plot as corroborative evidence of a broader conspiracy to destabilize Nigeria, particularly in light of recent protests purportedly meant to undermine national authority. They draw connections between the timing of these protests and the earlier media attention drawn by a video from the notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, who made unsubstantiated claims against Minister Matawalle. The group suggests that such synchronizations indicate a strategic plan aimed at diminishing the Nigerian government’s credibility and eroding public support—especially in a politically sensitive climate leading up to the 2027 elections.
The implications of such destabilization are especially acute in the Northern region, where escalating violence and insecurity have been persistent challenges. The Arewa Network underscores that the August are designed to create an environment wherein the government appears incapable of protecting its citizens, ultimately challenging the legitimacy of the ruling administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The timing of these planned protests appears calculated not only to disrupt governance but also to destabilize the political landscape, particularly by targeting the ruling party’s support base in the North.
In light of these alarming developments, the NAN called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration to take proactive measures to counteract the destabilizing maneuvers of these groups. The Network emphasizes the need for the government to engage in comprehensive consultations with genuine Northern groups and critical stakeholders to strengthen Nigeria's security and stability ahead the crucial 2027 elections.
The Arewa Network emphasizes that it is unacceptable for foreign entities to allow Nigerian Diaspora forces to exploit their mediums and platforms to foment chaos in Nigeria. It challenges the international community, particularly those governments that have historically claimed to support democratic principles, to take tangible actions against individuals or organizations perpetuating violence and unrest under the guise of political dissent.
The internationally recognized right to peaceful protest is couched within the broader framework of civic responsibility, and it should not serve as a cover for violence or sabotage against a sovereign state's efforts to maintain order and ensure security. The principles underpinning international laws, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), affirm that while peaceful protest is a vestige of democracy, it does not provide carte blanche for inciting violence or civil disobedience. Reinforcing the rule of law, while respecting citizens' rights, is essential in preserving the social contract.
Consequently, the NAN urged the international community to take a firm stance against the use of their space and media platforms to endorse or promote activities that could destabilize Nigeria. The involvement of foreign entities in fostering unrest must not be overlooked, as allowing such behavior to persist undermines Nigeria's sovereignty and endangers the peace and stability of the wider sub-Saharan region.
"Finally, the global implications stemming from a destabilized Nigeria extend far beyond its borders. As the most populous nation in Africa, Nigeria plays a critical role in maintaining regional stability. Instability within its borders could induce cascading effects across the sub-Saharan region, disrupting peace initiatives, exacerbating humanitarian crises, and facilitating the proliferation of terrorism and organized crime. Given these realities, it is not merely in Nigeria's interest but also in the strategic interests of the international community to foster conditions conducive to peace and stability," Sulaiman concluded. "The time for concerted action is now; the stakes could not be higher."
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