Nigeria's Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has publicly denied a viral social media report that claimed he declared the Zamfara State security initiative would not succeed without his involvement. The minister described the publication as entirely false and a malicious attempt to damage his reputation.
Official Rebuttal and Accusations of Mischief
Speaking through his Media Assistant, Ahmed Dan-Wudil, the former governor of Zamfara stated that he never granted any interview containing such a remark. He firmly labelled the widely circulated online story as "sponsored mischief" designed to create political tension in the state and tarnish his image alongside the Federal Government's ongoing security operations.
Matawalle expressed his disappointment with Premium Times for publishing the report without first contacting him or his media team for verification. "The media should not be used as instruments of political mischief and mudslinging because of political differences," he warned.
Underlying Political Tensions in Zamfara
While denying the fabricated statement, the minister did acknowledge his previous criticisms of the current Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal. He accused Governor Lawal of employing poor security strategies and refusing to collaborate with the Federal Government on coordinated security frameworks.
A key point of contention raised by Matawalle was his alleged exclusion from a recent meeting between Governor Lawal and the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru. He faulted this move, emphasizing that his ministerial role and deep ties to Zamfara State should have warranted his inclusion in such discussions.
"Everything should not be politicised. This is the time for all hands to be on deck to confront the security problems," Matawalle stated, criticising the governor for reportedly directing state security operatives to act without aligning with federal structures, which he views as a setback to national efforts.
Commitment to National Security and Peace
Reaffirming his dedication to his role, the minister insisted he has no interest in undermining any state government. He stated his focus remains squarely on restoring peace and enabling communities in Zamfara and across Nigeria to return to a normal life.
He emphasized the determination of the APC-led Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu to tackle insecurity and other national challenges, asserting that no political distractions would derail the agenda for peace, good governance, and socio-economic development. According to him, President Tinubu's leadership and achievements position him well for re-election.
In Other News: Zamfara First Lady Secures Freedom for 436 Inmates
In a related development, the wife of the Zamfara State Governor, Hajiya Huriyya Lawal, has settled the debts of 436 freed inmates, totalling N67,204,700, to facilitate their release. The state's First Lady announced this humanitarian gesture at an event organized for the wedding of 200 orphans in Gusau.
She clarified that the inmates had been convicted for debt-related offences from 54 Sharia Courts across the state. "Zakkat and Endowment Board, in collaboration with the Sharia Court of Appeal, had carefully reviewed all the affected persons for authenticity," she added.
