From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Zamfara All Progressives Congress (APC) Concerned Youth Movement has claimed that the recent protest at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, was because of his intimidating popularity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Akida Forum had stormed the EFCC headquarters in Abuja and demanded the prosecution of Matawalle over alleged N70 billion contract racketeering.
But Chairman of the Zamfara APC Concerned Youth Movement, Abubakar Ibrahim Gusau, noted that no amount of blackmail and gaslighting would diminish the popularity of the former governor of Zamfara State.
Gusau, also, told a member of the House of Representatives, for Birnin Magaji/Kaura Namoda Federal Constituency, Aminu Sani Jaji, that he failed to exonerate himself from hiring protesters that went to EFCC.
According to him, one of the protesters, Abdulaziz Yakubu, told journalists at EFCC office that they were recruited at Suleja, Niger State and brought to Abuja and given placards, to protest.
“All lovers of democracy and good governance acknowledge Matawalle as a resourceful, vibrant, visionary, and purposeful democrat with a milk of human kindness, which he generously dispenses to the masses to uplift their standards of living.
“Matawalle is the people’s leader, a politician’s politician and an embodiment of patriotism.
“No amount of blackmail or falsehood will distract him in his onerous task of restoring security, peace, and unity in the country as the Minister of Defence for State. He remains our
indisputable leader in the quest for security and development of Zamfara State.
“It is all about 2027 elections and the fear of Matawalle, a grassroots politician and mobilizer, and the plot to put him out of circulation that will jeopardise APC’s chance of reclaiming Zamfara State and reelection of President Bola Tinubu.
“While Tinubu and Matawalle are working assiduously for a better and greater Nigeria, their political opponents dissipate energy on far off 2027 polls.
“It is obvious that once elections are over, it is time for nation building and delivery of democracy dividends to the people in tandem with the provision of Section 14(2)b of the 1999 Constitution which states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.
“We urge politicians to close ranks in national interest. Nigerians are watching as power resides in the people!”
