The Arewa Concerns Citizens (ACC) has called on President Bola Tinubu and National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu to dismiss the recent allegations presented by Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, describing them as politically motivated and without substance.
The controversy erupted on Tuesday when Governor Lawal accused the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, of maintaining ties to the banditry plaguing Zamfara State.
According to Lawal, he conveyed these concerns to both the President and the NSA, presenting what he called “the facts” regarding Matawalle’s alleged involvement in the region’s security crisis.
However, Matawalle, who served as Zamfara’s governor from 2019 to 2023, strongly refuted these claims. He defended his tenure, citing his decision to negotiate with bandits as a strategic measure to reduce violence.
“I have no ties with bandits,” Matawalle said, dismissing the accusations as baseless. “It is unfair to accuse me simply because I chose dialogue as a path to peace.”
In a strongly worded statement, Comrade Mansur Abubakar, the Coordinator of the ACC, expressed concerns over what he termed “the politicization of Zamfara’s security challenges.”
He urged both the President and NSA Ribadu to recognize Lawal’s accusations as a ploy to tarnish Matawalle’s legacy and gain political leverage ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Zamfara’s security and the well-being of its people should not be reduced to mere tools for political ambition,” Kaura said.
“Leaders must act in the interest of the people, not for personal gain.”
Mansur highlighted the success of initiatives led by Matawalle, including the elimination of notorious bandits such as Halilu Sububu, Kachalla Sani black, Kachalla Makore and Baleri Fakai which he credited with restoring a fragile peace to Zamfara and neighboring states.
“These are not coincidences; they are the outcomes of dedicated leadership,” he noted.
The ACC warned against what it described as Governor Lawal’s “underhanded tactics” and called for a sober appraisal of Matawalle’s record.
Kaura concluded by accusing Lawal of seeking to secure his political future through discrediting a rival with a stronger track record.
“In infrastructure, agriculture, and education, Lawal has nothing to show. His campaign against Matawalle is driven by fear of electoral defeat in 2027.”
