Zamfara Gov accuses Tinubu’s Minister of involvement in banditry

By OUR REPORTER

He also alleged that when the children of a permanent secretary were abducted, they paid ransom through the Government House.

Bello Matawalle, Dauda Lawal

Governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Dauda Lawal, has alleged that his predecessor and Minister of State for Defence in Tinubu-led Federal Government, Hon. Mohammed Bello Matawalle, was fully involved in banditry activities.

He further said that tge minister even went as far as shielding criminals, adding that when Matawalle was governor, he kept some bandits in the Zamfara State Government House.

Lawal stated this on Wednesday in an interview with Television Continental (TVC) during which he then demanded that Matawalle resign his position as Minister of State for Defence as such people are not fit to be in charge of security of the nation.

He also alleged that when the children of a Permanent Secretary were abducted, the abductors were paid ransom through the Government House.

Governor Dauda Lawal said, “There were a lot of issues in the past with my predecessor. In fact, let me say this is very categorical.

“If I were him, I would resign and face all the allegations against me. And that would have been more honourable because from all the information we’re getting, my predecessor was fully involved in some of these banditry issues.

“Typical is the fact that there was a Permanent Secretary when his children were abducted; it was unfortunate that he had to pay ransom through the Government House.

“And it was also very clear based on all the allegations that bandits were being kept at government house. You know, there are so many issues,” he said.

The Zamfara State Governor explained that the appointment of the former governor as Minister of State for Defence by President Bola Tinubu was unfair to the people of Zamfara State.

He advised Matawalle to resign from his position and clear his name.

“So for me, honestly, if I were him, I would step aside and face this allegation until I clear my name before I come back and continue my job.

“That should have been more honourable. And how can you imagine all these allegations against him? And he’s still the Minister of Defense. I mean, that is unfair.

“This man could have been honourable, step aside, face all these allegations, clear his name and then come back and continue to do whatever he wants to do.

“Whether he wants to remain as minister or he wants to do something else, that would have been more honourable as far as I’m concerned. If I’m in that position, believe me, I’ll put in my resignation letter,” Governor Lawal added.