The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has denounced recent accusations targeting Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, describing the claims as politically driven and lacking evidence.
In a statement released Wednesday and signed by HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the organization condemned a recent protest at the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters in Abuja.
During the protest, women and youths, reportedly from Zamfara State, accused Matawalle of contributing to insecurity during his tenure as governor.
HURIWA argued that the allegations are a tactic to destabilize Matawalle and undermine the administration.
The group further alleged that the accusations were propagated by a faction named APC AKIDA, led by Tijjani Ramallan, which HURIWA claimed lacks affiliation with the core leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Responding to the allegations, Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, has previously dismissed the claims, noting that an investigation by the National Security Adviser found no evidence linking Matawalle to banditry.
HURIWA also highlighted a recent interim order from the Kano High Court prohibiting Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, media outlets Vision Media Services Ltd, and Liberty Radio from disseminating defamatory material against Matawalle.
“The court’s decision underscores the importance of avoiding harm to an individual’s reputation without substantiated evidence,” said Henshaw Ogubike, the Ministry of Defence’s Director of Information and Public Relations.
HURIWA criticized Governor Lawal’s approach, suggesting it diverts attention from addressing Zamfara’s pressing security issues.
The organization urged the DSS to handle politically sensitive matters cautiously and emphasized the need for collaboration among security agencies to address Zamfara’s security challenges effectively.
The association encouraged Nigerians to view the allegations with skepticism, citing President Tinubu’s decision to retain Matawalle as evidence of the minister’s standing.
HURIWA also called for a focus on verified information to foster unity and national security.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
