Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, is under scrutiny following accusations of links to terrorism and banditry. This is according to The Punch. The allegations stem from his tenure as Zamfara State Governor, where he allegedly procured vehicles for notorious bandit leaders, including Bello Turji.

Current Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has called for Matawalle’s resignation, citing evidence of his predecessor’s involvement in banditry. Lawal claims that Matawalle kept terrorists at the government house and facilitated ransom payments to terrorists through the government.

Matawalle’s aide, Dr. Suleiman Shuaib, dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically motivated. Shuaib explained that Matawalle’s dialogue with bandits was an attempt to restore peace and security to the state.

Security analyst Kabir Adamu noted that the accusations indicate the weaponization of insecurity in Nigeria. The New Nigeria Peoples Party spokesperson, Ladipo Johnson, questioned President Tinubu’s judgment in appointing Matawalle to the Ministry of Defence despite lingering allegations.

This is not the first time Matawalle has faced accusations of sponsoring banditry. In January 2022, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party called for his resignation. Islamic cleric Bello Asada also accused Matawalle of procuring vehicles for bandits.

Matawalle initiated an amnesty program for terrorists during his governorship, but Turji claimed the scheme only empowered some of his colleagues. Turji has terrorized Zamfara State for nearly nine years, killing, kidnapping, and extorting residents.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has been investigating allegations of N70 billion misappropriation against Matawalle since May 2023. The case remains ongoing.

The controversy surrounding Matawalle’s appointment has sparked concerns about President Tinubu’s commitment to addressing insecurity and corruption in Nigeria.

Source: thecapital.ng

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