The recent controversy surrounding Bello Matawalle, the minister of state for defence under President Bola Tinubu, has sparked significant public interest. Allegations have surfaced linking him to banditry, a claim vehemently denied by Matawalle and his supporters. The situation escalated when Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal called for Matawalle's resignation, demanding that he publicly defend himself against these serious accusations.
The Patriots for Peace and Social Development (PPSD) have taken a strong stance in defense of Matawalle. They argue that the allegations are unfounded and politically motivated, emphasizing that Matawalle has publicly sworn by the Quran that he has no connections to bandits operating in the northwest region of Nigeria. This defense highlights the complexities of political accusations and the importance of integrity in public office.
In a statement, PPSD's Executive Director, Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, condemned Governor Lawal's claims, labeling them "tissues of lies, political sentiment, and power intoxication." This situation raises questions about the motivations behind such allegations and the impact they may have on public trust in government officials.
Group Provides Spiritual Defense for Matawalle
According to Leadership, Shinkafi emphasized that Matawalle, a devout Muslim, publicly swore on the Holy Quran that he had no links with bandits. The deputy governor, commissioners, special advisers, and permanent secretaries also took the same oath. He criticized Governor Lawal for using his immunity to blackmail Matawalle on national television.
Shinkafi pointed out that Matawalle inherited armed banditry from his predecessor, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, and dealt with it head-on. His efforts led to the voluntary surrender of over 5,000 arms and ammunition by repentant bandits, showcasing a commitment to addressing the issue of banditry in the region.
Furthermore, Shinkafi highlighted President Bola Tinubu's directive to Matawalle and the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, to crush banditry in the North West, which resulted in the neutralization of notorious bandit kingpins. This operational success illustrates the effectiveness of Matawalle's leadership in tackling the severe challenges posed by banditry.
Why Matawalle Should Not Resign
Shinkafi dismissed Governor Lawal's call for Matawalle's resignation, citing the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, a principle enshrined in the 1999 Constitution and the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights. He stated, "A man of exceptional integrity, Matawalle, a devout Moslem, publicly held the Holy Quran in Government House Gusau and swore that he had no link with bandits."
This defense not only underscores Matawalle's commitment to his integrity but also serves as a reminder of the importance of due process in addressing allegations against public officials. The public must consider the implications of such accusations and the necessity for substantiated claims to maintain the credibility of governmental institutions.
As this situation continues to unfold, it will be vital for all parties involved to engage in constructive dialogue and avoid potentially damaging political theatrics, allowing for a clearer understanding of the facts surrounding these allegations.
Source: Legit.ng
