Zamfara Patriotic Political Class (ZAMPPOC), a political group, has commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing former governor Bello Matawalle as Minister of State for Defence.

The group’s commendation is contained in a statement on Monday in Gusau, by Bilal Shehu and Kabiru Ibrahim, Chairman and Secretary respectively.

The duo noted that Matawalle as a former member of the House of Representatives served as Chairman House Committee on National Security and Intelligence for four years.

They noted that he initiated and joined forces with the neighboring Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger and Kano States and the neighboring Niger Republic to form partnerships in fighting insecurity.

“On behalf of the entire leadership and members of ZAMPPOC, we appreciate Mr President for choosing Matawalle as a Minister and member Federal Executive Council.

“Giving Matawalle ministerial slot from Zamfara as Minister of State for Defence by President Tinubu is a welcome development.

“This is a clear indication that his performance as a governor in tackling insecurity in the state was carefully being watched by many well-meaning Nigerians.

“At that capacity, he contributed drastically to the fight against the Boko Haram insurgents and every well-meaning Nigerian has seen the impact today,” they said.

They also noted that the minister- designate introduced peace dialogue with bandits in the state and the measure worked successfully, as during his tenure banditry activities especially attacks on communities, kidnapping reduced drastically.

“Through the peace dialogue, many of the bandits surrendered their arms and ammunition as well as assisted security agents in tracking down unrepentant bandits, a situation that forced many of them to either surrender or relocate elsewhere.

“He also initiated the Rural Grazing Area (RUGA) settlement for Fulanis equipped with basic and social amenities with the view to keep the nomadic Fulanis in one place.

“Therefore, we have strong belief that Matawalle as Minister of State for Defence is going to be too bad for all criminals and crimes.

“We pray that he will be one of the best and fulfilling ministers in the Tinubu-led administration,” they added.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria