The Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawalle, has said the recent Federal High Court judgment affirming the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) under former Senate President David Mark has vindicated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against allegations of judicial interference and claims that his administration is pursuing a one-party state.
Matawalle made the assertion in a statement issued on Friday by his media aide, Ahmed Dan Wudil, following the court’s dismissal of a suit filed by House of Representatives member Leke Abejide challenging the leadership of the ADC.
According to the minister, the judgment demonstrated that President Tinubu remains committed to the independence of the judiciary, due process and the rule of law.
He maintained that despite sustained criticism from opposition figures and some members of the political class, the President has never interfered with judicial proceedings or sought to influence the outcome of politically sensitive cases.
“President Tinubu’s democratic credentials were built long before he became President,” Matawalle said.
“So having participated in the struggle for the restoration of democracy, he fully understood the importance of preserving democratic institutions.”
The minister said the Tinubu administration considers the independence of the judiciary as fundamental to Nigeria’s democratic development.
According to him, “the sanctity of the judiciary remained non-negotiable under the current administration because the President believed that a strong and independent judiciary was fundamental to Nigeria’s democratic survival, political stability and national cohesion.”
Matawalle accused some opposition politicians of deliberately spreading misinformation to undermine the President, alleging that they frequently accuse Tinubu of influencing the courts whenever judgments do not favour their political interests but remain silent when court decisions demonstrate judicial independence.
He argued that those committed to Nigeria’s democratic growth should acknowledge court rulings that reflect the autonomy of the judiciary rather than selectively criticise the administration.
On the security situation, Matawalle said the Federal Government remains committed to ending insecurity across the country through sustained military operations.
He stated that troops under Operation Fansan Yamma have recorded significant successes by dismantling several bandits’ camps, neutralising notorious bandit leaders and reclaiming communities previously occupied by criminal groups across the North-West.
According to him, similar operations by the Armed Forces and other security agencies in different parts of the country have continued to weaken terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements, resulting in improved security in many affected communities.
The minister assured Nigerians that President Tinubu remains determined to restore peace and security nationwide and will continue to provide the Armed Forces and other security agencies with the equipment, resources and political support required to defeat criminal groups and safeguard lives and property.
