Former Zamfara Governor Bello Matawalle denies allegations by his successor, Governor Dauda Lawal, accusing him of involvement in banditry. Matawalle's office called the claims malicious and emphasized his previous efforts in fighting criminal activities in the state.
The former Zamfara State Governor and current Minister of State for Defense, Dr. Bello Matawalle, has responded to accusations by his successor, Governor Dauda Lawal, linking him to banditry during his time in office. Governor Lawal made the allegations as part of a broader critique of his predecessor’s administration, suggesting Matawalle had a role in fostering banditry within the state.
In response, Matawalle's office strongly refuted the claims, describing them as baseless and malicious. A statement issued by Dayemi Saka, the spokesperson for Matawalle, emphasized that the former governor had no involvement in banditry or criminal activities. It also highlighted a previous statement made by Matawalle’s media team denying similar accusations from Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader.
The statement noted Matawalle’s dedication to combating banditry during his tenure, recalling how he took a firm stance against negotiating with criminals once an amnesty period expired. It emphasized that all arms recovered from bandits during his administration were officially handed over to security agencies, maintaining transparency in the fight against criminality.
Matawalle’s office concluded by expressing disappointment in the continued attacks on his reputation and patriotic service to Nigeria, questioning the motivations behind the recurring allegations.
The former Zamfara State Governor and current Minister of State for Defense, Dr. Bello Matawalle, has responded to accusations by his successor, Governor Dauda Lawal, linking him to banditry during his time in office. Governor Lawal made the allegations as part of a broader critique of his predecessor’s administration, suggesting Matawalle had a role in fostering banditry within the state.
In response, Matawalle's office strongly refuted the claims, describing them as baseless and malicious. A statement issued by Dayemi Saka, the spokesperson for Matawalle, emphasized that the former governor had no involvement in banditry or criminal activities. It also highlighted a previous statement made by Matawalle’s media team denying similar accusations from Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader.
The statement noted Matawalle’s dedication to combating banditry during his tenure, recalling how he took a firm stance against negotiating with criminals once an amnesty period expired. It emphasized that all arms recovered from bandits during his administration were officially handed over to security agencies, maintaining transparency in the fight against criminality.
Matawalle’s office concluded by expressing disappointment in the continued attacks on his reputation and patriotic service to Nigeria, questioning the motivations behind the recurring allegations.
