News Highlights:
- The Federal Government has cleared Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, of allegations linking him to banditry in Zamfara State.
- Despite the accusations, Minister Matawalle retained his position in the recent cabinet reshuffle, credited for his dedication to improving security in Nigeria’s North West region.
The Federal Government has exonerated the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, from allegations of involvement in banditry in Zamfara State.
Some security analysts who spoke to Digital TimesNG noted that as false as these allegations were, the accusers could not come out with convincing evidence to buttress their allegations described in some quarters as baseless and unjustifiable.
While the Federal Government’s investigation found the allegations as reckless and claims of complicity with banditry to be baseless and politically-motivated, analysts posit that now that Matawalle has been cleared of perceived wrongdoing, it is time for those who falsely accused him to retract their statements and apologize.
Security analysts believe that the intention of the minister’s accusers was to discredit him so that Mr. President will not deem him fit enough to retain his seat as Minister of State of Defence.
“Unfortunately for them, the cabinet reshuffle has come and gone, Matawalle was not removed thanks to his dedication and commitment to service through his contribution to the security of the nation.
“It is true that since his appointment, the security situation in the North West and Nigeria in general has improved tremendously. His recent operational visit to Sokoto is a testament that the man is committed to eradicating insecurity in the country,” a security analyst told Digital TimesNG.
Meanwhile, Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, in an interview on Arise Tv, said allegations against the Minister were thoroughly investigated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and found to be baseless and politically- motivated.
According to Onanuga, the NSA’s investigation concluded that the allegations against Matawalle were “mere fabrications, most of those things are just mere allegations.”
The Presidential aide also provided insights into the rationale behind the reshuffle, explaining that public perception played a crucial role.
“People are just bringing out all kinds of fake things and allegations. That is why the man Matawalle is still in the cabinet. The President, I am sure, has heard many stories about him.
“For him to be there shows that, as I have said, some of those things have been probed. They are not true,” Onanuga said.
He added that the reshuffle was not solely about meeting the President’s expectations but also addressing the concerns of the public.
Matawalle who has recently visited the operational base of Operation Hadirin Daji twice led a successful coordination that culminated to the elimination of Halilu Sububu, a major bandit kingpin and his several lieutenants.
Besides, going by the achievements, proactive commitment to the fight against insurgency, and political doggedness, many opposition figures are uncomfortable with the confidence reposed on him by the President, forgetting that the Minister is a strong supporter of President Tinubu in the North.
“It is proper for the campaigners of these falsehoods and those behind this ‘pull him down’ syndrome politics to retract the false claims, withdraw their allegations and apologize for spreading misinformation.
“Consequently, they should also reflect on their actions which are considered harmful and take responsibility of supporting the national security efforts by contributing to the country’s progress, rather than spreading falsehoods,” the security analyst added.
