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The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) asserts that the repeated public denials by bandit leaders regarding any connection with the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, indicate what the party refers to as a political conspiracy against the former governor.

The party claims that, despite these denials, the Zamfara State Government under Governor Dauda Lawal has continued its campaigns aimed at associating Matawalle with banditry and insecurity in the North, ostensibly to pressure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to dismiss him from his position.

In a statement released on Sunday and signed by the state APC Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris Gusau, the party highlighted video evidence in which bandit leader Bello Turji denied ever working with or being funded by Matawalle during his time as governor or minister.

The APC contended that the state government is utilizing public resources to mobilize individuals and groups, including religious leaders, political operatives, and protesters, from various regions of the country to spread allegations linking Matawalle to insecurity.

According to the party, individuals have been positioned across Northern Nigeria and parts of the South to disseminate such narratives, with claims that one of these individuals admitted to receiving funds from the state government.

The APC also raised concerns regarding the release of Musa Kamarawa, a suspected bandit apprehended during Matawalle’s governorship for alleged gun-running and banditry-related offenses.

The party called upon security agencies, the National Judicial Council (NJC), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and civil society organizations to investigate how Kamarawa was released while his case was reportedly still pending.

The APC dismissed assertions linking Matawalle to criminal activities, emphasizing that appointments to sensitive national positions require security clearance from relevant agencies.

It also referred to previous accusations against the minister, including protests allegedly organized outside Zamfara State that called for his removal.

The APC believes that the latest allegations are politically driven and linked to internal conflicts within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara as the 2027 governorship election approaches.

The party further noted Matawalle’s tenure as governor, citing the execution of peace initiatives with bandit groups, which resulted in the surrender of arms, the reopening of markets, and enhanced security in various areas of the state.

Additionally, it mentioned that Bello Turji has publicly denied any association with Matawalle on multiple occasions.

The party urged the public to disregard what it termed as baseless allegations against the minister.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the allegations against Bello Mohammed Matawalle?

The allegations suggest that Matawalle is linked to banditry and insecurity in Zamfara State, which the APC claims are politically motivated and unfounded.

What is the APC's position on these allegations?

The APC rejects the claims against Matawalle, asserting that they are part of a political plot and urges the public to disregard these allegations.

What actions does the APC want from security agencies?

The APC calls for an investigation into the release of Musa Kamarawa, a suspected bandit, and how it occurred while his case was purportedly still active.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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