Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has refuted allegations made against him by wanted terrorist leader Bello Turji in a viral video.
Turji accused Matawalle, the former Governor of Zamfara State, of empowering terrorists during his tenure by providing financial rewards to bandits through an amnesty scheme.
Turji claimed that the amnesty program, which aimed to incentivize bandits to surrender, instead allowed them to bolster their operations. He asserted that the financial incentives were misused, escalating insecurity in Zamfara State.
In response, Matawalle, through his media consultants, categorically denied the allegations, labeling them as baseless and unfounded. In a rejoinder signed by Deyemi Saka, Matawalle emphasized that all arms recovered from terrorists were handed over to relevant security agencies.
Matawalle also accused his successor, Governor Dauda Lawal, of having close ties to terrorists. He claimed that videos circulating online show bandits celebrating Lawal’s electoral victory and pledging loyalty to him, suggesting that Lawal made promises to them in return for their support.
“Our attention has been drawn to a video shared on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook in which baseless, malicious, and unfounded lies were told against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle,” the statement read.
“We are not unmindful of the sustained attacks on the person, integrity, and patriotic sense of duty of our client. What we find disheartening and despicable is the brazen disregard for public safety and national security.”
The statement highlighted Matawalle’s efforts to combat banditry during his tenure as governor, insisting that he refused to negotiate with bandits after the closure of the amnesty window and demanded that Bello Turji lay down his arms.
“All arms seized, recovered, and received from bandits were submitted at Government House Gusau and handed over to relevant security agencies,” Saka stated.
The statement also accused Governor Lawal of breaching the constitution by allegedly aligning with criminal elements, citing videos of bandits celebrating his victory and pledging loyalty to him.
“These allegations are attempts to distract and discredit our client,” the statement continued.
“Dr. Matawalle remains committed to his duties under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and will continue to work towards restoring peace and ensuring national security.”
The statement concluded by urging prominent Nigerians to refrain from using insecurity issues to settle political scores and gain notoriety.
