In response to recent charges made against Minister of State for Defense Bello Matawalle by Governor of Zamfara State Dauda Lawal, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has taken action.
Recently, a paper reportedly detailing how the government pays bandits surfaced on social media.
Governor Lawal also countered the accusation by saying that his predecessor had engaged in banditry.
In an interview with TVC, he charged the former governor of supporting bandits and recommended that Matawalle step down to clear his record.
HURIWA questioned the governor’s strategy in a press release on Friday that was signed by Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the organization’s national coordinator. He questioned how the state’s most prominent citizen could appear on television carrying what he called an unproven accusation.
HURIWA questioned how the administration could have this knowledge and still choose to go to the media rather than act.
If the Governor is unable to substantiate his claim with reliable evidence, the organization contended that the accusations may be politically motivated and intended to discredit the minister.
Lawal also charged that Matawalle had left the state’s treasury in a mess, pointing out that when he took office, over N250 billion was missing.
Lawal hasn’t offered any “concrete evidence,” according to HURIWA, which makes his assertions appear like a “mere attempt to tarnish Matawalle’s reputation.”
HURIWA stated that as Matawalle is still an important player in the Federal Government’s continuous efforts to fight terrorism, particularly in the North-West area, Lawal and Matawalle should focus on carrying out the roles for which they were elected or appointed.
The rights group asked the governor to put more effort into solving the state’s urgent problems than squabbling over politics and preparing for the 2027 elections.
According to HURIWA, Dauda needs to stop wasting public funds on squabbling with his predecessor and hopping between media outlets.
According to HURIWA, despite the ongoing conflict, the state has remained impoverished, insecure, and experiencing unstable economic conditions.
The rights organization also drew attention to claims that Lawal’s government authorized the purchase of N19 billion worth of cooking equipment for Huriyya Dauda Lawal, the First Lady, at her office. This decision has provoked public indignation.
Amid the state’s pervasive poverty and relocation, some have denounced the lavish spending.
HURIWA questioned the accountability and transparency of such an expense, particularly in light of Matawalle’s administration’s accomplishments.
The rights group contended that, considering his active participation in the continuing fight against bandits, it would be irrational for Matawalle to be connected to such claims.
HURIWA also emphasized that government expenditures must be transparent and accountable, especially in light of the dubious N19 billion kitchen equipment purchase.
“Both the governor and the Minister of State for Defence should prioritize the needs of their people and work together to address the security challenges that Zamfara and the wider North-West region are facing,” the group demanded.
