FG Exonerates Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle of all Allegations
The Federal Government has cleared the Honourable Minister of State for Defence His Excellency Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON over allegations of complicity over banditry in Zamfara State. President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in an interview on Arise Tv said all allegations against Matawalle were thoroughly investigated by the Office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, and found to be baseless and politically- motivated.
The intention is to discredit Matawalle so that Mr. President will not deem him fit enough to retain his seat as Minister of State of Defence. Cabinet reshuffle has come and gone, Matawalle was not removed thanks to his dedication and commitment to service through his contribution to the security of the nation. It is true that since his appointment, the security situation in North West and Nigeria in general have improved tremendously. Also his recent operational visit to Sokoto is a testament to the fact that the man is committed to eradicating insecurity.
According to Bayo Onanuga, the NSA’s investigation concluded that the allegations against Matawalle were “mere fabrications”. Furthermore he said, “As far as I know, most of those things were just mere allegations”
The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy also used the interview to provide insights into the rationale behind the cabinet reshuffle explaining that public perception played a crucial role.
“People were just bringing out all kinds of fake things and allegations. That is why the man Matawalle is still in the cabinet. The President, I am sure, has heard many stories about him.
“For him to be there shows that, as I have said, some of those things have been probed. They are not true,” Onanuga said.
He added that the reshuffle was not solely about meeting the President’s expectations but also addressing the concerns of the public.
It would be recalled that Matawalle, recently visited the operational base of Operation Hadirin Daji twice and led a successful coordination that culminated in the elimination of Halilu Sububu, a major bandit kingpin along side several of his lieutenants.
Besides Matawalle’s proactive commitment to the fight against insurgency and his political doggedness, many opposition figures are uncomfortable with the confidence reposted on him by the President. Key watchers say the Minister remains a strong supporter of President Tinubu in the North.
We are calling on the campaigners of these falsehoods and those behind this pull him down syndrome politics to retract their false claims and apologise for spreading misinformation.They should equally reflect on their harmful actions and begin to support the national security efforts by contributing to the country’s progress, rather than spreading falsehoods key watchers stated