By Abubakar Yunusa
The Patriots for Peace and Social Development (PPSD) has defended Dr. Bello Matawalle, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, against recent allegations by Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal.
The governor, during a series of TV interviews, accused Matawalle of alleged misconduct, a claim that the PPSD labeled as baseless.
Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, the Executive Director of PPSD, condemned Lawal’s remarks, calling them politically motivated and an attempt to tarnish Matawalle’s reputation.
Shinkafi emphasized that Matawalle, known for his integrity and dedication to his role, had no connections to the banditry issues that have plagued Zamfara.
“Matawalle took a public oath on the Holy Quran, denying any link to bandits. His leadership initiated significant progress, including the surrender of thousands of illegal weapons by former bandits,” Shinkafi stated, defending Matawalle’s record as Zamfara’s former governor.
He criticized Governor Lawal for using his platform to “blackmail” the minister, instead of addressing Zamfara’s security challenges.
According to Shinkafi, Lawal’s time would be better spent focusing on governance rather than “jumping from one television station to another.”
The PPSD also highlighted Matawalle’s ongoing role in a military operation in Sokoto aimed at neutralizing notorious bandits in the North West region.
The group noted that the operation, under Matawalle’s supervision, has already led to the elimination of key bandit leaders.
Shinkafi dismissed Lawal’s call for Matawalle’s resignation over alleged financial improprieties as “laughable” and baseless, reaffirming Matawalle’s focus on national security.
