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“Bring Proof That I Sponsor Bandits,” Matawalle Challenges Accusers Amid Allegations
How can a governor lie to deceive the public? First, he accused me of stealing ₦70 billion, then he said ₦240 billion. It’s no surprise if you know who Dauda is; he doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”
Abuja, Nigeria- Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has vehemently denied allegations that he sponsors bandits, challenging his accusers to present concrete evidence.
During a live interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, Matawalle defended his controversial decision to engage in dialogue with bandits, a practice he claims has led to the recovery of abducted persons and weapons in Zamfara State.
“Let them bring any proof of that,” Matawalle said, dismissing the claims as baseless.
He emphasized that the dialogue had been endorsed by governors in states such as Niger and Sokoto, and led to the recovery of abducted individuals and arms.
“It wasn’t just me who dialogued. The governor of Niger State and the governor of Sokoto did the same. Why am I singled out? Because it is Zamfara,” the minister said.
Matawalle further suggested that those pointing fingers at him might themselves be complicit in the crimes they accuse him of. However, he refrained from naming specific individuals.
”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 stated.
The minister defended his stance on tackling criminal elements in Zamfara, stating that his tough approach had made him unpopular among those involved in illegal activities.
“My critics oppose me because I go after them,” he said.
When asked if these individuals included politicians, he affirmed, “Yes, they are politicians, and I go after them.”
Matawalle highlighted the success of his dialogue efforts, noting that it led to the recovery of weapons and the release of thousands of abducted people, including foreign nationals.
“Banditry and kidnapping are just some of the challenges facing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who assumed office in May, pledging to address insecurity caused by criminal gangs, jihadists, and other armed groups,” Matawalle said, drawing parallels between his approach and former President Buhari’s negotiations with bandits to secure the release of the Chibok girls.
“This is a global practice,” he added, “governments worldwide enter agreements to save lives.”
Matawalle also dismissed what he described as attempts to blackmail him for his efforts. “People spread lies out of hatred, but I have no regrets. We achieved a lot without paying a single kobo in ransom.”
As the former governor of Zamfara, he rejected allegations of embezzling state funds, calling them fabrications by the current governor, Dauda Lawal.
“In my four years, I never received that money. The records are with the Ministry of Finance,” Matawalle stated. “I pity Dauda. Instead of focusing on providing good governance and addressing insecurity in Zamfara, he’s resorting to lies.”
Matawalle expressed frustration with Lawal’s claims. “How can a governor lie to deceive the public? First, he accused me of stealing ₦70 billion, then he said ₦240 billion. It’s no surprise if you know who Dauda is; he doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”
Governor Lawal, meanwhile, accused Matawalle of looting over ₦70 billion from the state and expressed disappointment that despite evidence provided to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), little had been done to recover the funds.