The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has accused his critics of attempting to exploit sensitive security issues for propaganda purposes.
Speaking in a statement signed by his media aide, Ibrahim Dosara, the Minister lamented that he is facing malicious and politically sponsored attacks aimed at damaging his reputation.
He alleged that those sponsoring the attacks are people whose political ambitions for 2027 are threatened by the government’s security reforms.
He said those behind the attacks are politicians seeking relevance and trying to distract him from his job.
According to him, “Public service demands courage, consistency, and a commitment to truth.
“Attempts to drag my name into unrelated events are nothing but desperate political propaganda.”
Matawalle explained that banditry was already a deep-rooted crisis long before he became governor of Zamfara.
According to him, “Banditry was not a problem that was invented under my watch… it had grown over decades.”
He stated that his administration had introduced structured security measures, established high-level committees, enhanced intelligence, and prosecuted criminals.
He also said compromised traditional rulers were removed, and disarmament programmes were implemented with military support.
The minister noted that thousands of abducted victims were rescued during his time as governor, and 11 Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining were deported. Anyone trying to distort this record, he said, is playing politics with the pain of innocent citizens.
Matawalle also stated that Zamfara had gone more than a year without major security incidents due to these measures.
He added that he faced harassment while working on the rescue of kidnapped schoolgirls in Kebbi, saying, “I received harassment and intimidation… but I refused to bow to pressure. Humanity comes first.”
He insisted that those attacking him are afraid of the ongoing defence reforms and are motivated by the 2027 political race.
He reaffirmed his loyalty to the president, saying, “My loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains total… No amount of propaganda will influence his decisions.”
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