The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday commended President Bola Tinubu for standing by his Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, amidst allegations that the former governor supported bandit groups in Zamfara. The APC described the accusations as “unfounded” and noted that recent claims lacked substantial evidence.
In addition, the Zamfara APC called on Governor Dauda Lawal to adopt a similar security strategy to his predecessor, integrating both kinetic and non-kinetic methods to address the state’s growing insecurity.
This appeal followed a large protest two days prior, when hundreds of women and youths from Zamfara rallied outside the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters in Abuja to voice their concerns over the rising violence.
The demonstrators, arriving in a convoy of about 12 buses, were ultimately prevented from entering DSS premises. Many blamed the former governor for allegedly cooperating with bandits during his administration, a claim his supporters firmly deny.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Ubaidullah Kaura, the APC Youth Coordinator in Zamfara, expressed disappointment that Governor Lawal, elected under the People’s Democratic Party, has not maintained the security advancements reportedly achieved by Matawalle. Kaura emphasized the need for continuity in addressing security, regardless of political affiliations.
“We want to thank President Bola Tinubu for showing confidence in Matawalle by allowing him to remain in his role as Minister of State for Defence,” Kaura stated. “Those calling for his removal, including some who have gone to the EFCC and DSS, are politically motivated groups.
Fortunately, both presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga and NSA Nuhu Ribadu have dismissed these accusations after thorough investigations.”
Kaura urged Governor Lawal to consider revisiting Matawalle’s approach to security, saying, “Under Matawalle’s administration, security was tackled with a balanced approach that combined both forceful and peaceful methods. We call upon Governor Lawal to study the handover notes left by Matawalle and implement necessary actions to combat the insecurity in our state.”
