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 is a fair approach to informing citizens and promoting 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, 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, political opponents from his home state 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 Sheikh Murtala Asada 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 responded by dismissing Kamarawa’s claims as baseless in a video released shortly afterward. He alleged that Kamarawa was being used by politicians to spread lies. Turji stated that he never received money during peace talks with Matawalle and instead suffered huge losses, including an airstrike that killed over 70 people, among them women and children.
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 subsequently prosecuted and sentenced to 20 years in prison under Matawalle’s administration. This raises an important question: how is he now a free man without completing his term? Matawalle has accused Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal of orchestrating a campaign against him using a convicted gun-runner.
Bello Matawalle has taken Sheikh Murtala Asada and Tijjani Ramalan to the Kano High Court over alleged defamation and malicious reportage linking him to bandits. He is seeking to restrain media outlets from publishing unverified claims, which he says are misleading and damaging to his reputation. Matawalle is also demanding ₦60 billion in damages from journalists and media organizations for alleged defamation. It appears he is taking legal action to clear his name, emphasizing that no court has found him guilty of any wrongdoing. He urges citizens to evaluate his record based on verified facts and lawful outcomes.
The challenges in Zamfara predated his tenure, making it unfair to hold him solely responsible for existing problems. Rumors can easily damage reputations, but truth and evidence will ultimately prevail. It appears Matawalle is being unfairly targeted. Citizens should set aside political biases and avoid jumping to conclusions without facts.
As the year draws to a close, Bello Matawalle stands out as a minister who has faced unprecedented opposition from both within and outside his state. His critics have neither succeeded in bringing him down nor provided convincing evidence linking him to insecurity in Zamfara. As the Hausa proverb says, “A rooster destined to grow spurs cannot be stopped.” In Nigeria’s legal system, he remains innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Dukawa is a journalist, public-affairs analyst, and political commentator. He can be reached at abbahydukawa@gmail.com.
