Banditry: Provide concrete evidence against Matawalle – HURIWA tells Gov Lawal

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has reacted to the recent accusations made by Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, against the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.

Newspot reports that a memo appeared on social media recently showing how the government allegedly pay bandits.

And in a counter allegation, Governor Lawal accused his predecessor of involvement in banditry activities.

He accused the former governor of sponsoring bandits during an interview on TVC, suggesting that Matawalle should resign to clear his name.

In a press statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko on Friday, HURIWA criticized the approach adopted by the governor, wondering why the state’s number one citizen could go on television with what he described as unsubstantiated allegation.

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HURIWA wondered why the government could have such information and prefer to go to the media instead of taking action.

The group argued that the allegations could be politically motivated and aimed at defaming the minister if the Governor fails to provide credible evidence to his claim.

Lawal also accused Matawalle of leaving the state’s treasury in disarray, citing that over N250 billion was unaccounted for when he took over office.

HURIWA said that Lawal has failed to provide “concrete evidence” making his claims look like a “mere attempt to tarnish Matawalle’s reputation”.

HURIWA said that both Lawal and Matawalle should concentrate on doing the jobs they were elected or appointed to do as the latter remains a key figure in the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, especially in the North-West region.

The rights group urged the governor to focus on addressing the pressing issues facing the state rather than engaging in political squabbles and working ahead of 2027 elections.

HURIWA said that Dauda must stop spending the state resources on fighting with his predecessor and jumping from one media house to the other .

HURIWA said that the state has continued to suffer from insecurity, poverty, and economic instability while this fight persists.

The rights group also highlighted reports that Lawal’s administration approved N19 billion for the procurement of kitchen equipment for the office of the First Lady, Huriyya Dauda Lawal, a move that has sparked outrage among citizens.

Critics have condemned the extravagant spending amid widespread poverty and displacement in the state.

HURIWA questioned the transparency and accountability of such an expenditure, especially when juxtaposed with the achievements of Matawalle’s administration.

The rights group argued that it would be illogical for Matawalle to be involved in those accusations, given his active role in the ongoing war against bandits.

HURIWA also stressed the need for accountability and transparency in government spending, particularly concerning the questionable N19 billion kitchen equipment expenditure.

The association urged “both the governor and the Minister of State for Defence to prioritize the needs of their people and collaborate in addressing the security challenges plaguing Zamfara and the wider North-West region”.