By Bavoriat Clara
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has dismissed recent calls by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and a former Zamfara State governorship candidate, Alhaji Sani Shinkafi, demanding the removal of the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, describing the actions as politically motivated, misplaced and diversionary.
In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwuniko, HURIWA condemned the threat by NANS to embark on nationwide protests over the demand, labelling it reckless and far removed from the core mandate of a student body. The association accused NANS of abandoning its responsibility to Nigerian students and acting instead as political errand runners.
HURIWA urged the leadership of NANS to refocus its attention on pressing challenges confronting the education sector, including poor funding, decaying infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms, incessant industrial actions and the declining quality of academic standards in Nigerian universities.
According to the group, the primary responsibility of NANS is to defend the welfare and future of Nigerian students, not to issue ultimatums to the President or campaign for the removal of cabinet members.
The rights group noted that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has consistently drawn attention to the collapse of academic standards and chronic underfunding of tertiary institutions, stressing that these are the areas where NANS should channel its energy and influence.
HURIWA further advised that protests, if necessary, should be directed at demanding improved learning conditions, better welfare for students and lecturers, and comprehensive reforms in the education sector, rather than engaging in what it described as political grandstanding.
On criticisms by Alhaji Sani Shinkafi, HURIWA described his interventions as overtly political and driven by partisan interests rather than genuine concern for national security. The association pointed to the intense political rivalry in Zamfara State and argued that Shinkafi’s comments should be viewed within the context of local political contests.
The group stated that Shinkafi’s attacks on Matawalle are linked to fears within rival political camps that the former Zamfara governor could emerge as a strong contender in the 2027 gubernatorial election under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
HURIWA warned against the politicisation of security matters, cautioning that reckless accusations and public grandstanding could undermine national stability. It called for security-related concerns to be addressed through due process, evidence-based assessments and established institutional mechanisms.
The association reaffirmed that criticism of public officials must be anchored on facts, national interest and respect for democratic institutions, urging both student bodies and political actors to act responsibly and resist the manipulation of public opinion through partisan narratives.
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