Kwankwaso Slams Governor Lawal’s Allegations Against Matawalle as Diversionary Tactics

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• Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso criticised Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal for accusing Defence Minister Bello Matawalle of sponsoring bandits, calling the allegations “diversionary” tactics.
• Matawalle denied the accusations, emphasising his integrity and commitment to fighting insecurity during his governorship, contrasting with Lawal’s refusal to take a similar oath.
• Kwankwaso urged Governor Lawal to work with the federal government and the Defence Minister to address banditry, promoting unity and patriotism to tackle regional challenges effectively.

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Kwankwaso Slams Governor Lawal’s Allegations Against Matawalle as Diversionary Tactics

Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso, a former commissioner for Rural Infrastructure in Kano State, has criticised Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal for his recent accusations against Defence Minister Bello Matawalle.

Lawal had reported to the National Security Adviser, alleging that Matawalle sponsors bandits and undermines efforts to resolve the insecurity crisis in Zamfara.

In response, Matawalle denied the allegations, stating he swore on the Holy Qur’an during his tenure as governor from 2019 to 2023, while Lawal and other politicians refused to take a similar oath.

Kwankwaso, in a statement released on Wednesday, labelled Lawal’s stance on the fight against banditry as “diversionary.” He emphasised Matawalle’s “improbable” record and noted that his appointment as minister reflects his integrity.

The Kano-born politician urged Governor Lawal to collaborate with the federal government and Defence Minister to combat banditry in Zamfara and across Northern Nigeria, rather than politicising the issue.

He called for patriotism and unity in tackling regional problems for the benefit of all citizens. “Leaders should shun divisive tendencies and work together to solve the region’s challenges,” Kwankwaso asserted.

He also pointed out that Lawal’s actions seem designed to shift attention away from the successes achieved in combating banditry and other criminal activities.