Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, challenged Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal to take an oath on the Quran to deny involvement in banditry. Matawalle emphasized his oath, claiming innocence and calling for accountability among politicians accused of supporting banditry in the state.
Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, challenged Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal to take an oath on the Quran to prove he has no ties to the banditry crisis affecting the state. This confrontation took place during his appearance on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily, where Matawalle responded to Lawal's claims that accused him of funding banditry and money laundering during his tenure as governor.
Matawalle recalled that he had previously sworn an oath using the Quran, vowing he had no involvement in banditry and condemning the violence in Zamfara. He stressed the importance of this promise, stating, “If I was happy or part of it, God should not give me one second.” He issued a challenge to all politicians, including Lawal, to take a similar oath, noting that none have accepted.
Additionally, Matawalle mentioned that Lawal had faced scrutiny from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which led to the seizure of his passport. He alleged that Lawal had sought his help to obtain travel documents, highlighting the complexities of their relationship. The minister urged those making accusations against him to present evidence and reiterated his clean conscience regarding his governance and alleged connections to banditry in Zamfara State.
