Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence and former Governor of Zamfara, Bello Muhammad Matawalle has challenged current Governor Dauda Lawal to swear by the Holy Quran to prove his innocence in the ongoing banditry accusations plaguing the state.
In an interview, Matawalle who has been at the forefront of addressing Zamfara’s security issues, dared anyone with evidence linking him to aiding bandits to come forward.
Matawalle proudly stated that he is the only Zamfara Governor to have sworn by the Holy Quran, declaring his non-involvement with bandits or their activities.
The minister said he also ensured that his aides, commissioners, and officials took an oath of innocence before assuming office.
This bold move, he claims, sets him apart from others, including Ali Gusau and Governor Dauda, whom he has also challenged to swear an oath.
Matawalle’s move is seen as a step towards addressing the crisis, which has undermined security, peace, and development in Nigeria’s northwest.
Cyber Reporters noted that the Nigerian government has invested heavily in military and security operations to tackle banditry, with operations like “Operation Harbin Kunama” and “Operation Puff Adder” aimed at curbing the menace.
Matawalle’s challenge to Governor Lawal and others is a call to action, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in addressing Zamfara’s security challenges.
He said: “I am the only Governor of Zamfara who has sworn by the Holy Quran, declaring I have no ties to the bandits or their criminal activities in the state.
“I swore with a clean mind, and I ensured that all my councilors, chairmen, and commissioners also took the same oath before their appointments. The record is there.”
