The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the state government of allegedly deploying public funds and resources to sponsor individuals and groups in a sustained campaign against the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle.
In a statement released on Sunday, the party’s Publicity Secretary in the state, Yusuf Idris Gusau, claimed that the series of public denials by notorious bandit leaders regarding any relationship with Matawalle exposes what the APC described as a politically motivated plot targeted at the former Zamfara governor. According to the party, these developments suggest a deliberate attempt to damage Matawalle’s reputation at the national level.
The APC alleged that despite clear denials from bandit leaders, the Zamfara State Government under Governor Dauda Lawal has continued to promote narratives linking Matawalle to banditry and worsening insecurity in Northern Nigeria. The party claimed that the alleged objective of this campaign is to influence President Bola Ahmed Tinubu into removing Matawalle from his ministerial position.
To support its position, the APC referenced video footage in which a well-known bandit leader, Bello Turji, reportedly dismissed claims that he ever worked for or received sponsorship from Matawalle, either during his tenure as governor or in his current role as minister. The party argued that such statements undermine accusations being circulated against the minister.
Furthermore, the APC alleged that individuals were deliberately deployed across several Northern states and even parts of Southern Nigeria to amplify these accusations. It claimed that at least one of those involved had openly admitted to receiving financial support from the Zamfara State Government to push the narrative against Matawalle.
The party also raised concerns over the controversial release of Musa Kamarawa, a suspected bandit who was arrested during Matawalle’s administration as governor on allegations bordering on gun-running and banditry-related activities. The APC questioned the circumstances surrounding Kamarawa’s release, especially given claims that his case was still pending before the courts.
In light of these issues, the APC called on security agencies, the National Judicial Council (NJC), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and relevant civil society organisations to thoroughly investigate how Kamarawa was released and whether due process was followed. The party insisted that transparency and accountability must be upheld in matters relating to national security.
The APC firmly rejected any attempt to associate Matawalle with criminal elements, stressing that appointments to sensitive national positions such as his require rigorous security screening and clearance by relevant authorities. According to the party, this alone should dispel allegations portraying the minister as compromised or unfit for office.
0 Comments