Ignore malicious statement against Matawalle -Group urges Nigerians

A group, the Arewa Youth Assembly said its attention has been drawn to a video of the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal Dare, calling on the minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, to resign over allegations of financial impropriety and involvement in banditry.
A statement issued and signed by Speaker Mohammed Salihu said such a statement by the governor is political, misleading, and malicious, purposely targeted at disparaging the Honourable Minister of State for Defence and downplaying the landmark achievements recorded so far under him in the fight against bandits and insecurity that has wrecked the northwestern states.
However, the group urged the general public to ignore what it described as a blackmailing and malicious statement
“It is a political witch hunt and one of Governor Dauda’s stunts to incite the people and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence. We urge the general public to ignore this blackmailing and malicious statement
“Unless the Governor has an ulterior motive, it is absurd for him to call on the Honourable Minister to resign over mere allegations that have not been proven.
“Even when charged, he remains innocent until proven guilty, as it is categorically stated in section 36(5) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended)”, the group stated.
It continued: “While we commend and have faith in our National Assembly, security, and anti-graft agencies (DSS, NIA, EFCC, ICPC, and the rest) who vetted and screened Dr Bello Matawalle for appointment as Honourable Minister, we caution Governor Dauda to desist from meddling in their affairs.
“We have one of the best in the world and believe in their capacity and ability to always do what is right within the coffers of the law, adding that some procedures and laws must be adhered to according to our constitution, we don’t reside in an animal Kingdom where they operate lawlessly.
“Governor Dauda is envious of the recent successes recorded in the fight against insecurity in the Northwest under the directions of the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, so he moves to discredit the man behind the success, which he is failing at woefully.
“There are also several allegations against Governor Dauda; we expect him to resign as the Governor of Zamfara State to face those allegations; unless he does that, he lacks the moral ground to dish out unsolicited advice against his predecessor on the strength of allegations.”