The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly condemned recent accusations against Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence, calling them unsubstantiated and politically motivated. This rebuttal follows a protest at the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters in Abuja, where a group of women and youths, purportedly from Zamfara claimed Matawalle’s tenure fueled insecurity in the state. HURIWA argued that these claims were a political maneuver aimed at discrediting Matawalle and undermining the administration’s stability.
Gentlemen of the media, it will interest you to know that a group which goes by the name APC AKIDA led by one Mr.Tijjani Ramallan is the one the Zamfara state government is allegedly using to unleash attacks on the person of Matawalle. It was learnt from the appropriate leadership channels of the All Progressives Congress in Abuja that this so-called APC AKIDA is not authentic APC, because it is alleged that they are a rebellious group of APC. They are actually notorious amongst loyalists of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu because it is apparent that they don’t want to see anything good about the current administration and are also afraid of Matawalle’s closeness and absolute loyalty to the person and ofice of President Tinubu.
In response to the protest, HURIWA referenced statements from Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, who previously addressed the allegations, dismissing them as baseless. “Most of these are just mere allegations,” Onanuga stated, emphasizing that the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) conducted investigations and found no evidence to support claims of Matawalle’s alleged connections with bandits. Onanuga confirmed that the NSA’s findings led President Tinubu to retain Matawalle, noting that the president is fully aware of the stories but concluded they are fabricated
Adding to its defense of Matawalle, HURIWA recalled that the Kano High Court recently issued a restraining order to prevent Governor Dauda Lawal, his associates, and certain media outlets from continuing a smear campaign against Matawalle. “According to the court order, Governor Lawal, alongside media platforms like Vision Media Services Ltd and Liberty Radio, is prohibited from publishing defamatory content aimed at implicating Matawalle in banditry and other criminal activities. The court order also restrains the Nigerian Police Force, among others, from engaging in actions that could harm Matawalle’s reputation pending a final hearing.
“In an official press release, dated September 30, 2024, Henshaw Ogubike, Director of Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defense, underscored that the court’s decision was necessary to halt defamatory actions aimed at discrediting Matawalle. Ogubike remarked that the court’s ruling places the matter in the correct perspective and highlights that all parties involved should refrain from damaging an individual’s reputation without proof. He also urged the public to be vigilant against politically motivated narratives designed to defame officials who have dedicated themselves to public service.
HURIWA criticized Governor Lawal’s actions, stating that his accusations against Matawalle serve as a distraction from the pressing security issues in Zamfara State. HURIWA emphasized that politically motivated actions such as these smear campaigns hinder effective governance and obstruct collaborative security efforts. According to the organization, allegations unsupported by evidence distract both state and federal agencies from their primary duty to protect citizens from threats.
HURIWA further highlighted that the accusations are driven by Lawal’s alleged attempts to diminish Matawalle’s influence within the government amid rumors of a cabinet reshuffle. By focusing on politically charged rhetoric, Governor Lawal risks disrupting the coordinated security strategies urgently needed in Zamfara and the broader northwest region.
HURIWA called on the DSS to exercise caution in handling politically sensitive issues, emphasizing that the agency must avoid becoming entangled in investigations without credible evidence. The organization urged the DSS to focus its resources on effective security measures in Zamfara, rather than on probes influenced by political motivations. HURIWA asserted that the DSS should prioritize unity and collaboration with other agencies to develop practical solutions to Zamfara’s security challenges, rather than divisive actions based on unsubstantiated allegations.
As allegations continue, HURIWA urged the Nigerian public to remain cautious of information disseminated by parties with vested interests. The association reminded citizens that President Tinubu’s decision to retain Matawalle was based on substantial security assessments, not unverified claims. In addition, HURIWA emphasized that the Kano High Court’s interim order reinforces the need for all stakeholders to respect the rule of law and avoid spreading defamatory content that lacks factual basis. The association urged Nigerians to support a fair, evidence-based discourse that strengthens national unity and security rather than detracting from it.
In conclusion, HURIWA reaffirmed its commitment to defending the reputation of public officials facing baseless accusations, stressing that the focus should remain on collaborative efforts to tackle Nigeria’s security challenges. HURIWA called on all political actors to prioritize the safety and welfare of Nigerians over divisive agendas, warning that security must remain a collective priority to achieve sustainable peace. HURIWA believes that only through unity and respect for verified information can Nigeria overcome its security challenges and build a more stable and secure nation for all citizens.
Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko
National Coordinator,
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA)
November 13, 2024
