In recent appearances on Channels Television and TVC, the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, spent considerable airtime casting aspersions on his predecessor, now the Minister of State for Defense, Dr. Bello Matawalle. With accusations ranging from alleged financial support for banditry to outright complicity in Zamfara’s security woes, Lawal’s claims stirred controversy and pointed a finger at the very individual now entrusted with a critical national security portfolio.

Governor Lawal’s use of public funds for these media campaigns against Dr. Matawalle raised eyebrows. His accusations, heavy with implication but thin on proof, came at a significant expense to the Zamfara State treasury, with private jets ferrying him from Gusau to media platforms in a determined but ultimately baseless crusade. Notably, the Governor’s statements shed no light on his own administration’s achievements or his approach to resolving the security challenges facing Zamfara, a curious omission that left many questioning his priorities.

In an interview with Channels Television, Dr. Matawalle decisively addressed Lawal’s allegations. With characteristic directness, Matawalle explained that his fallout with Lawal stemmed from an incident in which Lawal allegedly attempted to solicit financial gain under false pretenses while Matawalle was Governor. Matawalle went further to refute the accusations outright, insisting on his unwavering opposition to banditry and his extensive efforts to stabilize Zamfara through non-kinetic measures. Under Matawalle’s tenure, local governments in Zamfara reportedly saw a significant reduction in bandit attacks—a legacy that, by his account, earned him the respect and trust of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who appointed him to a key role in the Ministry of Defense.

President Tinubu’s decision to appoint Dr. Matawalle speaks to the President’s confidence in the Minister’s capacity to tackle insecurity effectively. The President, it seems, recognized the former Governor’s commitment, demonstrated by tangible security gains in Zamfara. Matawalle’s interview was unambiguous: he categorically denied any connection to banditry, even challenging both Lawal and General Aliyu Gusau to publicly swear, as he had, on the Holy Quran that they, too, had no ties to banditry. Neither man has taken up Matawalle’s challenge, fueling speculation about the weight of his words and the silence of his accusers.

On October 23, 2024, a statement by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu echoed what many had suspected: The National Security Adviser (NSA) had conducted a thorough investigation into Lawal’s accusations against Dr. Matawalle, ultimately finding them groundless. NSA Malam Nuhu Ribadu affirmed that, after careful examination, the accusations were categorically false—a conclusion that, for many, underscored Matawalle’s long-held claims and his evident dedication to uprooting banditry. Since taking office as Minister of State for Defense, Matawalle has overseen operations that resulted in the elimination of seven notorious bandit leaders in the North West, a rare achievement that bolsters his reputation.

Dr. Bello Matawalle’s steadfast approach to governance and security has proven him a capable leader in a deeply challenging role. The rigorous scrutiny and investigations have cleared his name, reinforcing what many suspected all along: that Matawalle, as a defender of peace, remains resolute in his fight against banditry, securing both his own legacy and his position in Nigeria’s ongoing battle for stability and security.

Ibrahim Tahir, writes from Katsina State.