MATAWALLE ATTRIBUTES SMEAR CAMPAIGNS AGAINST HIM TO 2027 POLITICAL AMBITIONS

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By: Muftau Fatimo

Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence, has stated that the increasing attacks against him are politically motivated, driven by interests threatened by ongoing national security reforms.

In a statement on Monday signed by his media aide, Ibrahim Dosara, Matawalle described the attacks as “coordinated, malicious, and politically sponsored,” aimed at discrediting his integrity and undermining his contributions to Nigeria’s security architecture.

“Public service, particularly in a country confronting complex security challenges, requires courage, consistency, and a steadfast commitment to truth,” he stated.

“In recent weeks, I have observed with concern the spread of false allegations and malicious narratives about me, propagated by political rivals aiming to gain cheap political advantage.”

“These individuals, driven by personal disappointment and future political calculations, have sought to exploit sensitive security matters for their political gain,” Matawalle said.

He added that those behind the attacks are political figures seeking relevance and attempting to distract him from his official duties.

“Attempts to involve my name in unrelated events are nothing but desperate political propaganda,” he emphasized.

“The allegations are baseless and politically motivated. The truth is clear. I have exercised restraint as political actors engaged in smear campaigns, misinformation, and character assassination against me, but the time has come to respond directly.”

Matawalle recalled that banditry was a deeply entrenched problem he inherited as Governor of Zamfara State and that his administration implemented structured, institutional strategies to address the crisis.

“Banditry did not start under my watch. It was a longstanding crisis when I assumed office in Zamfara. However, we did not stand idly by. We adopted a serious, structured approach, working closely with the Federal Government, traditional rulers, and security agencies.”

He highlighted that his administration established high-level security committees, intelligence frameworks, and prosecution mechanisms to combat banditry and illegal mining. Compromised traditional rulers were removed, and disarmament programmes were implemented with military support.

“Thousands of abducted victims were rescued, and 11 Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining were deported during my tenure. These interventions speak for themselves. Any attempt to distort this record is merely politicizing the suffering of innocent citizens,” he said.

Matawalle noted that Zamfara experienced over a year without major security incidents due to the measures implemented.

He also recounted facing intimidation over his role in securing the release of abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi.

“I faced harassment and intimidation for insisting on rescuing those children, but I refused to yield. Humanity comes first. Those children deserved to live, and we succeeded,” he said.

The minister stated that ongoing defence reforms have made him a target for political attacks ahead of the 2027 elections.

“My loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains unwavering. I serve the Commander-in-Chief with sincerity and commitment, and he fully recognizes the value I bring to our national security efforts. No amount of propaganda will influence his decisions,” he affirmed.

He concluded by praising security agencies for their professionalism during rescue operations.