The Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, has denied reports circulating on social media that he claimed the Zamfara security initiative wouldn’t work without him. In a statement, Matawalle described the reports as maliciously crafted to tarnish his good reputation and efforts, and undermine the Federal Government’s efforts at tackling the security challenges facing the nation.
He emphasised that at no time did he grant any such interview, noting however that he had taken Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal to task over his poor strategy and non-cooperation with the Federal Government on mechanism for tackling the security challenges. Matawalle expressed disappointment that the governor had not involved him and other stakeholders in his arrangements for tackling the state’s security situation, which has become a national issue.
Matawalle, who had earlier served as Zamfara governor for four years before his present ministerial appointment, said Governor Lawal’s attitude was condemnable, especially considering the gravity of the security challenges facing the state. He also condemned the governor for authorizing security operatives to tackle the security threat without coordinating with Abuja, describing it as a major drawback in the process.
The minister urged the media to exercise caution and not allow itself to be used as a tool for political mischief and mudslinging. “The media should not be used as tools of political mischief and mudslinging because of differences in political leanings,” he said. “As a stakeholder in the management of security in the nation, there is no reason for him to want to sabotage the efforts of any state governor, talk less of his own state where the security challenges have become unmanageable due to poor governance.”
Matawalle reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to securing communities and ensuring residents return safely to abandoned farmlands, schools, and homes. He expressed confidence that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would address the country’s problems, saying no political collusion would deter the government from doing so.
The minister also praised President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, saying his reelection is assured because he is focused on good leadership, purposeful governance, peace, security, and socio-economic growth of the nation. Matawalle’s statement was signed by Ahmed Dan-Wudil, Media Assistant to the Minister of State for Defence.