PASCHAL NJOKU, ABUJA
A group known as Concerned Citizens of Zamfara State, has dismissed as false and misleading, reports claiming that Dr. Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence, has been dragged to court over alleged banditry.
A statement on Sunday, signed by Chairman of the group, Yusuf Sani and Secretary, Dahiru Nasiru, described the report as fake.
The group noted that after visiting several Federal High Courts in the nation’s capital, no evidence of such a suit was found.
They pointed out that even if such a case exists, the Minister is not afraid to defend himself in the court of law.
They accused the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal of political witch-hunt and trying to discredit his immediate past predecessor.
While dismissing the allegations of sponsoring banditry, the group challenged the accusers to back up their allegations with proof.
“It’s worth noting that Matawalle, the former Governor of Zamfara State, had previously taken steps to address the banditry issue, including establishing military operations and spending billions of naira on security.
“He had even gone a step further swearing with the Holy Quran, as he pointed out in a recent media interview, that he never sponsored banditry and that this is nothing but a wicked political witch-hunt being sponsored by his successor.
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“Recall that Governor Dauda Lawal had accused his predecessor of ‘sponsoring banditry’ and ‘accommodating the terrorist at the government house’.
“These are parts of the gimmicks of Governor Lawal Dauda who has been a continuous guest to media houses to tarnish the image of the Honourable Minister of State for Defence and also to block his re- appointment as a Minister since the news of cabinet reshuffle became public.
“We are reliably informed that the Governor is the one sponsoring the forum shopping for a court order which has a stringent processes to be followed before it is granted. The courts cannot be deceived or induced by the Governor or his proxies. This name dropping of the court is absurd, preposterous and naive for a person of his status trying to run down his own brother who is holding a sensitive post in the government.
“The public should be wary of deceitful information emanating from the Governor or his proxies and are advised to disregard such publication,” the statement reads.
Recall that some media reports had indicated that a Federal High Court in Abuja had approved a case filed by human rights activist Abubakar Dahiru, to probe Matawalle’s alleged involvement in the operations of bandits during his tenure as governor.
The suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1434/2024, and dated September 27, 2024, was filed at the Federal High Court Abuja, on behalf of the activist by Barr. Ojonimi S. Apeh.
Defendants in the suit are the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice while the 3rd Defendant is the Inspector General of Police.
Specifically, Ojonimi Apeh, in the suit, wants the court to declare that “it is imperative for the 1st Defendant (President) herein to give directions to the 3rd Defendant (IGP) to investigate the activities of bandits and kidnappers in Zamfara State and in particular the allegations surrounding the Minister of State for Defence, Hon. Bello Matawalle in relation to banditry and kidnapping in Zamfara State with a view to securing and/or restoring public safety in Zamfara State.
Ojonimi Apeh also prayed on behalf of his client for “An order of Court mandating the 1st Defendant herein to direct the 3rd Defendant herein to investigate the activities of bandits and kidnappers in Zamfara State, and in particular the allegations surrounding the Minister of State, Defence Hon. Bello Matawalle in relation to banditry and kidnapping in Zamfara State with a view to securing and/or restoring public safety in Zamfara State.
“A declaration that by the provisions of Section 215(3) and (4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, and other relevant laws, the 1st Defendant herein either by himself or through such other Minister of the government of the Federation as he may authorize can give directions to the 3rd Defendant herein with respect to the maintenance and securing of public safety and public order in any part of the Federation” Apeh submitted. END.
