Bello Matawalle in the Eye of a Political Storm: What’s Fact, What’s Politics? -By Abba Dukawa

In a democracy, public scrutiny of those in office is not merely a right—it is a necessity . That scrutiny,, must rest on verified facts, due process, and proper context, not on speculation, biased narratives, or political agendas . This scrutiny aims to set the record straight, guided by evidence, institutional integrity, and the nation’s long-term interest . It’s a fair approach to inform citizens and promote transparency…

It is striking how events unfold in this country, especially when self-serving individuals with dubious motives go to great lengths to undermine a rising public servant. They politicize every aspect of his actions, while like-minded supporters interpret each development through a partisan lens, turning even neutral events into political controversies.

Insecurity affects everyone, irrespective of political affiliation, and its consequences are devastating. It should be a matter of serious concern for all citizens. The exploitation of security challenges for political gain is alarming, troubling, and ultimately counterproductive.

The escalating, orchestrated controversy surrounding Bello Matawalle raises critical questions about how to distinguish fact from politically motivated narratives amid intensifying tensions. Despite this counterproductive approach, self-serving individuals are deliberately misleading the public by blaming Bello Matawalle for Zamfara’s insecurity. The state was already plagued by banditry, displacement, and kidnapping long before his tenure. Upon taking office, Matawalle implemented a multi-layered approach that included security operations, dialogue, community engagement, and intelligence-led interventions. He also supported security agencies by procuring over 200 Hilux vehicles to enhance their operational capacity.

During his tenure as governor of the state, Matawalle removed several traditional rulers, citing their alleged involvement in banditry. In March 2021, while receiving an award from the Centre for Qur’anic Reciters of Nigeria, he called on the people of Zamfara to publicly swear that they had no ties to the bandits terrorizing the state. He himself also swore on the Holy Qur’an. “I have sworn on the Holy Qur’an that if I know, or am part of, or know anyone coordinating this banditry, or if any member of my family is involved, may Allah not bless me in this life.”

He challenged all Zamfara residents since the state’s political inception—to take the same oath. None did. Remarkably, many accusations against him come from biased individuals within his own state and beyond. Recently, his home state political opponents have launched intense smear campaigns across electronic and print media, determined to tarnish Matawalle’s image and undermine his hard-earned reputation—not just in Zamfara, but nationally. Misinformation campaigns against him are escalating, aiming to discredit his record. Yet Matawalle remains unfazed; those driven by political desperation only expose the futility of their tactics.

The latest controversy erupted when Islamic cleric Assada accused Matawalle of “pampering terrorists” during his 2019-2023 governorship. Musa Kamarawa, a former aide, further alleged that Matawalle hired terrorist leaders to supply cows for Sallah and weddings, gifted them houses and Hilux vehicles, and paid ₦88 million to transport the cows to the state capital.

Bello Turji shot back, dismissing Kamarawa’s claims as baseless in a video released.He alleged Kamarawa’s being used by politicians to spread lies . Turji said he never took money during peace talks with Matawalle. Instead, he suffered huge losses – like an airstrike that killed 70 people, including women and kids

Matawalle’s media aide, Yusuf Dingyadi, clarified that Kamarawa was involved in peace-building efforts but exceeded his mandate by importing vehicles from Mali. Kamarawa was prosecuted and sentenced to 20 years in prison under Matawalle’s administration. So, how is he now a free man without completing his term? Matawalle accuses Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal of orchestrating a campaign against him using a convicted gun-runner.

Bello Matawalle, has taken Sheikh Murtala Asada and Tijjani Ramalan, for alleged defamation and malicious reportage. to Kano High Court over allegations linking him to bandits. He’s seeking to restrain media from publishing unverified claims, saying they’re misleading and damage his reputation. Matawalle is also seeking N60 billion in damages from journalists and media outlets for alleged defamation and malicious reportage. It appears Matawalle is taking legal action to clear his name, emphasizing that no court has found him guilty of any wrongdoing. He’s urging citizens to evaluate his record basqed on verified facts and lawful outcomes.

The issues in Zamfara predated his tenure, making it unfair to blame him for existing problems . Rumors can easily damage reputations, but truth and evidence will ultimately prevail . It appears Matawalle’s being unfairly targeted. People should set aside political biases and avoid jumping to conclusions about Matawalle without facts.

As the year draws to a close, Bello Matawalle stands out as a minister who’s faced unprecedented opposition from both within and outside his state. Those critics of him haven’t managed to bring him down or bring any convincing evidence to link him with what they accused him of regarding insecurity in his home state. Like the Hausa proverb says: ‘ _A rooster destined to grow spurs can’t be stopped.’” In Nigeria’s legal system, he’s innocent until a court of competent jurisdiction finds him guilty.

Dukawa is a journalist, public-affairs analyst, and political commentator. He can be reached at abbahydukawa@gmail.com.