‘Prove That I Sponsor Bandits’ – Matawalle To Gov Lawal, Others

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has rejected allegations of supporting banditry and has urged his accusers to present evidence to back their claims.

In an interview with Channels Television on Tuesday, September 24, the former governor of Zamfara state defended his choice to negotiate with bandits, stating that this approach, endorsed by multiple governors, has resulted in the rescue of kidnapped individuals and the recovery of ammunition in Zamfara.

They should bring any proof of that. Because I dialogue, it was not only I, remember all the governor dialogue the governor of Niger state dialogue with bandits, the governor of Sokoto did the same. While only me because it is Zamfara. Zamfara is a very complex state with terrible human beings with devilish ideas”

Matawalle also indicated that his accusers are all involved in the activities they have accused him of.

”Let me remind you I was the only governor that swore to the Holy Quran that I have no hand or connection with banditry or I am not happy with what is happening that if I am happy or if I am part of it or if I know those doing it or if I am collaborating with them God should not give  me one-second grace”

 

I challenged all the politicians, including General Ali Gusau and Dauda Lawal, to do the same. None of them could take the oath, and if they don’t take the oath that means they are part of it,

 

I have always acted in good faith, as have other governors who engaged in dialogue with bandits, including the Governor of Niger State, Abubakar Sani Bello, and the Governor of Sokoto State. Yet, I seem to be singled out, perhaps because Zamfara is a complex state with terrible human beings with devilish ideas,” he said.

The minister contended that his boldness in confronting criminal activities in Zamfara has led to his unpopularity among those involved in such crimes.

“The people who oppose me do so because I go after them” he said.

When asked if these individuals were politicians, he confirmed, “Yes, they are politicians, and I pursue them.”

Matawalle also condemned what he referred to as attempts to blackmail him for his efforts.

“People are spreading misconceptions out of hate, but I have no regrets because we achieved a lot of success without paying a single kobo in ransom.”

He also refuted allegations of misappropriating Zamfara state funds during his tenure, asserting that these claims were fabrications by the current governor, Dauda Lawal.

”In my four years, I did not ever receive that money. The records are there, and the indices are with the Ministry of Finance. It is on record and let me tell you I don’t understand I pity Dauda(Zamfara Gov)I thought for now he should concentrate on giving good governance to the people of Zamfara state. I thought, for now, he should concentrate on the issue of insecurity.

I thought, for now, he should realise that governance is a continuous process because if he is in that seat today, tomorrow he will not be.

But how can someone come and be telling lies, a whole governor to come and deceive the public ”

Governor Lawal recently accused Matawalle of embezzling over N70 billion from the state government. He expressed frustration that, despite evidence provided to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), little has been done to recover the funds.

When asked about the governor’s claims, Matawalle responded:

”How can he say unaccounted N240bn, before he said 70bn, it is not a surprise to me if you know who Dauda is, This is someone who doesn’t know what he is talking about.”