Stop attack on Matawalle, focus on governance, HURIWA urges Zamfara gov

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has decried the campaign of calumny against the former governor of Zamfara State and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.

The group disclosed this while reacting to Governor Dauda Lawal’s recent allegations against Matawalle, accusing him of sponsoring bandits during a television interview and suggesting that Matawalle should resign to clear his name.

HURIWA, in a statement by its national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, labelled the allegations as unsubstantiated and lacking merit.

“During his interview, Governor Lawal claimed that Matawalle was involved in banditry and misappropriated billions of naira while in office. He accused the former governor of failing to address the insecurity in Zamfara.

“Lawal further criticised Matawalle for leaving the state’s treasury in disarray, citing that over N250 billion was unaccounted for when he took over office,” HURIWA quoted.

Dismissing the claims as baseless, the group pointed out that Lawal’s allegations lack concrete evidence and are merely an attempt to tarnish Matawalle’s reputation.

HURIWA also emphasised that the Minister of State for Defence remains a key figure in the federal government’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, especially in the North-West region.

It noted that the Zamfara State governor should focus on addressing the pressing issues facing the state rather than engaging in political squabbles and working ahead of the 2027 elections.

The association expressed concern that while Governor Lawal is preoccupied with discrediting Matawalle, the state continues to suffer from insecurity, poverty, and economic instability.

It also highlighted reports that Governor 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, the group said, 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.

However, it praised Matawalle’s contributions during his tenure as governor, highlighting several key achievements. These include the construction of an airport, roads, and healthcare facilities across Zamfara State.

“Under Matawalle’s leadership, the state also invested in security infrastructure, including the purchase of Hilux vehicles and ambulances, as well as the installation of solar-powered street lights in the state capital.

“Matawalle’s efforts in constructing primary healthcare centres in all 147 wards in the state, along with significant investments in education, including settling backlogs of payments for NECO and WAEC examinations, stand in contrast to the Governor’s claim that he paid N1.2 billion each for NECO and WAEC, while records show that it was far below that. Let him present any empirical evidence.”

“These tangible achievements stand in stark contrast to Governor Lawal’s administration, which has been embroiled in controversies over frivolous spending and accusations of corruption,” the group added.

HURIWA further defended Matawalle’s integrity, asserting that he remains loyal to President Bola Tinubu and has the full trust of the administration.

The group pointed out that Matawalle has been at the forefront of recent counterterrorism efforts in the North-West, working closely with service chiefs to combat banditry.

According to HURIWA, the recent successes in the fight against terrorism, particularly in Sokoto and Zamfara, further demonstrate Matawalle’s commitment to eradicating insecurity in the region.

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 dismissed calls for Matawalle’s resignation, suggesting instead that it is Governor Lawal who should step down.

The group cited reports that Lawal declared N9 trillion in assets in his Code of Conduct submission, raising questions about his financial dealings.