The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has reacted to the recent accusations made by Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, against the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.
Governor Lawal had accused his predecessor of sponsoring bandits during an interview on TVC, suggesting that Matawalle should resign to clear his name.
HURIWA in a press statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko and issued on Friday, criticized Governor Lawal’s remarks, labeling the allegations as unsubstantiated and lacking merit.
The rights group argued that the accusations against Matawalle, who served as Zamfara State Governor before his current appointment, are politically motivated and aimed at defaming his predecessor without credible evidence.
“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 criticized Matawalle for leaving the state’s treasury in disarray, citing that over N250 billion was unaccounted for when he took over office,” HURIWA quoted the interview.
However, HURIWA, in its response, dismissed Lawal’s claims as baseless, pointing out that Lawal’s allegations lack concrete evidence and are merely an attempt to tarnish Matawalle’s reputation.
HURIWA also emphasized 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.
HURIWA 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 2027 elections.
The human rights body accused the governor of spending the state resources on campaign of calumny against Matawalle from one media house to the other.
The association expressed concern that while Governor Lawal is preoccupied with discrediting Matawalle, the state continues to suffer from insecurity, poverty, and economic instability.
The rights group 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 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.
HURIWA 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.
The group further noted 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 in contrast to the claims of the Governor that he paid N1.2B each for NECO and WAEC while records shows that it was far below that.
HURIWA stated that 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.
In its statement, 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.
“If the Minister of State for Defence had any remote connection to banditry, would he be at the helm of operations to decimate terrorist groups in the North-West? The answer is no,” HURIWA stated.
HURIWA also dismissed calls for Matawalle’s resignation, suggesting instead that it is Governor Lawal who should step down.
It cited reports that Lawal declared N9 trillion in assets in his Code of Conduct submission, raising questions about his financial dealings.
In addition, HURIWA referenced Lawal’s involvement in the high-profile corruption case involving Diezani Alison-Madueke, during which he was reportedly detained for over two months in connection with $44 billion in stolen funds.
A letter also surfaced Online with his signature and that of the SSG approving money to bandits and terrorists which makes him culpable.
“It is important to note that during Matawalle’s tenure as Governor, Zamfara State got N354 billion, this includes FAAC, VAT, IGR, LOAN, GRANTS and other sundry revenue. Out of this, he paid Salary and other allowances costing N136 billion, 800 million for 4 years.
“And with a balance of N109, 829, 860,703 he carried out capital projects such as purchase of 200 Hilux security vehicles, constructed special primary health centres, 147 primary health centres, Cargo Airport, constructed 14 special health centres in 14 L.G.A’s, purchased 200 Tricycle Ambulances, constructed a General hospital in Talata Mafara, constructed King Fahad General hospital in Samaru Gusau, and installed 50 kilometers of Solar electricity in Gusau.
“He also purchased Armoured security vehicles, Ambulances and drones, construction of State liaison offices in Missisipi and Ganges street in Maitama Abuja, construction of 14 Governors lodge in 24 LGAs in Zamfara state, procured Best Premier hotel in Wuse 2 Abuja as an investment for the state, constructed 28 Township roads, constructed Emirs lodge in Kaduna, constructed Garba Nadama conference centre in Gusau and a host of other projects. So where did N250 billion he is accusing Matawalle of come from? Is he not deceiving the public?” HURIWA explained.
HURIWA further pointed to emerging evidence that Governor Lawal has allegedly been involved in providing financial support to bandits, fostering a climate of insecurity that persists in the state, and condemned Lawal’s media campaign to discredit his predecessor, urging him to provide concrete evidence to substantiate his claims.
The human rights association also stressed the need for accountability and transparency in government spending, particularly concerning the questionable ₦19 billion kitchen equipment expenditure and urged both the governor and the Minister of State for Defence to prioritize the needs of their people and collaborate in addressing the security challenges plaguing Zamfara and the wider North-West region.
The rights group also urged Nigerians to disregard the allegations against Matawalle, calling them intellectually weak and lacking evidence. “It is time for Governor Lawal to put the interests of Zamfara people first and work towards solutions, not smear campaigns,” HURIWA stated.
While urging Matawalle to continue his good work and fight against bandits, HURIWA noted that all these actions of Governor Lawal show that he doesn’t want the insecurity in the State to end by distracting the Honourable Minister of State for Defence.
