The leadership of the APC Founding Sons Forum has commended the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, describing him as a selfless leader committed to peace, unity and the progress of Zamfara State.
The group made the commendation following the reported defection of Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a press release issued in Abuja, the forum’s leader, Godstime Chukwubuikem, said Matawalle demonstrated political maturity by welcoming the governor and his supporters into the APC despite possible political competition within the party.
Godstime described the minister as a man with a “golden heart” whose actions reflect a genuine desire for peace, harmony and unity in the political landscape of Zamfara.
According to him, Matawalle’s decision to embrace the development without hostility shows his commitment to the broader interests of the state and the nation rather than personal ambition.
He said the gesture also reflects Matawalle’s loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ideals of the ruling APC.
“We have seen cases in other states where defections created tension because of personal interests. But in Zamfara, Matawalle openly welcomed his political rival into the APC. This shows he is a selfless Nigerian leader who prioritises unity, peace and the development of his state,” Godstime said.
He added that Matawalle’s move demonstrates a desire to ensure unity of purpose in support of the Tinubu administration in Zamfara and across the North-West region.
The forum also called on President Tinubu to honour the minister with the national award of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in recognition of what it described as his patriotic conduct and commitment to national unity.
Godstime further described Matawalle as a transparent and loyal leader whose focus remains on promoting peace, stability and development in Zamfara.
