INDEPENDENT NG
The Independent Human Rights Monitoring Groups in Nigeria (IHRMGN) has cleared Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle of banditry allegations.
The group said its four-month investigation found accusations orchestrated by Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal and President Bola Tinubu’s enemies to be baseless and politically motivated.
In a statement co-signed by Dr. Moses Adah and Rev. Oduma Johnson, the group condemned Governor Lawal’s “desperate antics” and urged caution against misinformation.
According to the group, those who should be held accountable for sponsoring bandits have turned around to peddle falsehoods against persons working hard to bring about peace in the region.
The group further said that banditry in Zamfara is complicated because of the economic interest of the supposed chief executive office of the state which is an interested party as far as the crime is concerned.
From its investigation, the group further revealed that the Governor has spent over 10 billion naira working with the bandits just to safeguard his interest.
The statement noted that Matawalle’s exemplary leadership as the immediate-past governor of Zamfara State and Minister has earned him recognition and respect.
However, the group said it found out that his successor, Governor Lawal, has made it a priority to frustrate and discredit him.
The Independent Human Rights Monitoring Groups in Nigeria, therefore, demanded accountability from those involved in the smear campaign and urged Governor Lawal’s administration to cease spreading misinformation.
They also warn Governor Lawal and his allies that their actions will not go unnoticed by the international community.
