Calls for Ex-Gov. Matawalle to Step Down from Defense Ministry Post
By Segun Onibiyo and Steven Kefas
(Kaduna), In a shocking turn of events that reads like a political thriller, the governor of Nigeria’s terrorist infested Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, has publicly accused his predecessor and current Junior Minister of State for Defense, Bello Matawalle, of corruption and links to terrorist activities in the state. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rhngx9BsfM This explosive allegation highlights the complex interplay between politics, corruption, and terrorism in Africa’s most populous country.
Governor Lawal didn’t mince words in a recent interview with TVC, a popular Nigerian television station. “If I were him (Matawalle), I would resign and face all the allegations against me,” Governor Lawal stated bluntly. “Because from all the information we’re getting, my predecessor was fully involved in some of these banditry issues.” The Governor of the gold-rich state said.
The accusations don’t stop at mere involvement. Lawal claims that Matawalle left the state coffers bone-dry, with a staggering 250 billion Nigerian Naira (approximately $325 million) unaccounted for. “When I took over, I realized that there wasn’t even 4 million Naira in the Zamfara State Government account – just empty,” Lawal revealed, painting a picture of a state in financial ruin.
But the plot thickens. A prominent Islamic cleric from neighboring Sokoto State, Mallam Bello Asada, has added fuel to the fire. In a viral video, Asada accused Matawalle of directly supporting notorious bandit leaders terrorizing Nigeria’s northwest region. He claimed Matawalle provided these criminals with vehicles and substantial funds, effectively bankrolling their reign of terror.
Dr. Walid Abdullahi, a security expert and academician based in Birni-Kebbi, commented on the situation to Truth Nigeria: “These allegations, if proven true, represent a catastrophic breach of trust. The idea that a state governor, and now a federal minister, could be actively supporting the very elements destabilizing the country is deeply troubling. It speaks to the rot within our political system and the enormous challenges we face in combating terrorism.”
The implications of these accusations extend far beyond Zamfara State. Nigeria has been grappling with various security challenges for years, from the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast to banditry and kidnapping rings in the northwest. The suggestion that high-ranking government officials might be complicit in these activities casts a long shadow over the country’s anti-terrorism efforts.
“This situation underscores the complexity of Nigeria’s fight against terrorism,” Dr. Abdullahi explained. “It’s not just about military might or strategy. We’re dealing with a hydra-headed monster where corruption, poverty, and extremism feed into each other. If we can’t trust our leaders to stand against these forces, how can we hope to defeat them?”
The human cost of this alleged corruption is staggering. Governor Lawal painted a grim picture of Zamfara State under Matawalle’s leadership: unpaid salaries, students unable to take crucial exams, and a general state of dysfunction. “For three years, none of Zamfara’s indigenes wrote either WAEC or NECO,” Lawal stated, referring to important national examinations. “I had to settle 1.3 billion Naira for NECO and 1.6 billion for WAEC. Some of the students only got their certificates after we settled these debts.”
“These revelations offer a stark reminder of how corruption can directly impact the lives of ordinary citizens, particularly in a region already beset by violence and instability. The northwest of Nigeria has seen a surge in banditry and kidnapping in recent years, with criminal gangs terrorizing rural communities and making travel increasingly dangerous,” Dr Abdullahi told Truth Nigeria.
This is not the first time the Junior Minister for Defence is coming under fire for allegations of supporting terrorists’ activities. Recall that in July 2024, terrorist kingpin Kachalla Bello Turji in a viral video accused the minister of backing terrorism.
“This government has been complicit in backing terrorism. There are individuals from Shinkafi, Zurmi, and Issah who cannot deny this video.
“Many Nigerians, for example those in Bauchi or Kaduna, may not be aware of the problems in Zamfara. However, I want to assure the federal government that if they are unaware, I will provide names, details, and evidence. I urge them to investigate the past actions of these individuals and their discussions with them. As a citizen of this zone, (Northwest) I swear before God that I speak the truth.
“The past Government of Zamfara, under Matawalle, facilitated negotiations but also sabotaged efforts. There were multiple negotiations, but the dialogue did not succeed, because everyone in Shinkafi and Isah knows the truth. The late Dillu, for example, was chased away by me because he refused to allow peace to reign in Shinkafi.
“They possessed more than 200 rifles, and Matawalle invited them to the government house. If I am lying, there are still in people in the government house that can explain this,” Turji alleged.
For many Americans, the intricacies of Nigerian politics might seem distant. However, the broader implications of this scandal resonate globally. Nigeria is not only Africa’s most populous nation but also its fourth-largest economy. Instability in Nigeria can have ripple effects throughout the region and beyond, potentially impacting global security and economic interests.
Moreover, the alleged links between corruption and terrorism highlight a challenge faced by many developing nations. When those in power are more interested in personal gain than public service, it creates fertile ground for extremist groups to flourish. This dynamic complicates international efforts to combat terrorism and promote stability in vulnerable regions.
As this story continues to unfold, all eyes will be on Minister Matawalle and the Nigerian federal government’s response. Will there be a thorough investigation into these allegations? Or will they be swept under the rug, as critics fear?
One thing is certain: the people of Zamfara State, and indeed all of Nigeria, deserve answers. In a nation where many feel let down by their leaders, this scandal serves as a crucial test of accountability and the rule of law. The outcome could have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s fight against corruption, its battle with terrorism, and ultimately, its path toward a more stable and prosperous future.
Segun Onibiyo and Steven Kefas are conflict reporters for Truth Nigeria
