Matawalle Fires Back at Critics Over Banditry, Defends Tinubu’s Decisions

Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defense, has accused his detractors of trying to utilize delicate security matters for publicity.

In a statement issued by his media assistant, Ibrahim Dosara, the Minister bemoaned the fact that he is the target of deliberate and politically motivated attacks meant to harm his reputation.

He claimed that the government’s security policies are endangering the political aspirations of those who are funding the attacks in 2027.

He claimed that the attacks are being carried out by politicians who want to become relevant and divert him from his work.

“Public service requires courage, consistency, and a commitment to truth,” he said.

“It’s nothing more than desperate political propaganda to try to drag my name into irrelevant events.”

Matawalle clarified that long before he was elected governor of Zamfara, banditry was already a serious problem.

“Banditry was not a problem that was invented under my watch,” he declared. Over decades, it had expanded.

He claimed that his administration had improved intelligence, formed high-level committees, implemented organized security measures, and convicted criminals.

Additionally, he stated that disarmament programs were carried out with military assistance and that compromised traditional rulers were eliminated.

During his tenure as governor, the minister reported that 11 Chinese nationals engaged in illicit mining were deported and thousands of kidnapped victims were freed. He claimed that anyone attempting to falsify this record is using the suffering of innocent people for political purposes.

Matawalle added that these precautions had prevented significant security problems in Zamfara for more than a year.

“I received harassment and intimidation,” he said, adding that he encountered harassment while working on the rescue of abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi. But I resisted giving in to pressure. Humanity is paramount.

He maintained that those criticizing him are driven by the 2027 political contest and are terrified of the current defense reforms.

“My loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains total,” he declared, reiterating his allegiance to the president. Propaganda won’t affect his choices in any way.