Matawalle has broken his silence on the alleged involvement in banditry in Northern Nigeria.
NaijaOnPoint Nigeria reports that the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has finally broken his silence on the allegations of aiding banditry, asking the accusers to provide evidence of his claims.
This Nigeria news platform understands that the minister addressed allegations that he had aided and abetted banditry. When asked about these claims, Matawalle strongly refuted them, challenging his accusers to present any evidence.
Speaking in a statement issued on Tuesday, Matawalle defended his decision to engage in dialogue with bandits, a practice he says was supported by several governors and led to the recovery of abducted persons and ammunition in Zamfara State.
He also argued that his fearlessness in tackling criminal elements in Zamfara has made him unpopular among those engaged in criminal activities.
”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 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.
Matawalle also condemned what he described as attempts to blackmail him for his efforts. “People are spreading misconceptions out of hate, but I have no regrets because we achieved a lot of success without paying a single kobo in ransom.”