The Minister of State for Defence and former Zamfara governor, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu amid calls for his removal.
Matawalle described recent attacks on his integrity and credibility as “coordinated, malicious, and politically sponsored.”
He said critics targeted him for opposing attempts to sabotage the President’s security agenda.
“Public service, especially in a nation facing complex security challenges, demands courage, consistency, and commitment to truth,” he said.
Through his former Commissioner of Information, Ibrahim Dosara, Matawalle highlighted his achievements as Zamfara governor in tackling terrorism and banditry.
He warned that politically motivated smear campaigns would neither intimidate him nor distract him from defending the country.
“The allegations are baseless. The agenda is political. The truth is clear,” Matawalle said.
He stressed that banditry predated his administration and noted that his government worked with the federal government, traditional rulers, and security agencies to implement structured responses.
Matawalle accused detractors of fabricating stories after losing political relevance and failing personal expectations.
He detailed his security record, including establishing high-level security committees, intelligence architecture, and local vigilance units.
The former governor said he shut down telecommunications temporarily to allow military operations against bandits without hindrance.
He cited other achievements, including dismissing compromised traditional rulers, retrieving arms, requesting additional federal troops, rescuing kidnapped victims, and deporting Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining.
Matawalle also highlighted humanitarian support, including relief materials, medical care, and assistance for displaced persons and victims of banditry.
He said these interventions led to over a year in Zamfara without attacks or kidnappings, a milestone recognised nationally and internationally.
Matawalle added that he played a key role in the rescue of recently abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State despite intimidation.
He accused some political figures of exploiting the rescue for personal gain and attempting to embarrass the federal government.
“My loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains total,” Matawalle said.
He affirmed that no propaganda or political blackmail would deter him from his duty to Nigeria’s security.
Matawalle praised security officers for their professionalism during operations and said critics fear ongoing reforms in national security.
“Some of the loudest voices today work to undermine national security for election purposes,” he said.
He concluded that media campaigns would not influence the President’s judgment and reaffirmed his commitment to the Constitution, the President, and Nigeria’s security.
“No intimidation, smear campaign, or political sabotage will deter me. Justice will prevail,” Matawalle said.
You are a bloody Boko Haram sponsor. You better keep quiet because your days are numbered. Tinubu brought you thinking you will be useful to his administration. To advise your Boko Haram members not to fight his government. But the case is reversed.