Prioritise Governance Or Resign, Not Smear Campaigns, HURIWA Tells Zamfara Governor

Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has reacted to the recent accusations made by Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal against the minister of state for defence, Bello Matawalle, where he accused his predecessor of sponsoring bandits during an interview on television, suggesting that Matawalle should resign to clear his name.

In a press statement issued yesterday by the national coordinator of HURIWA, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, he criticised Governor Lawal’s remarks, labelling the allegations as unsubstantiated and lacking merit.

The rights group argued that the accusations against Matawalle, who served as Zamfara State governor before his current appointment, were politically motivated and aimed at defaming his predecessor without credible evidence.

“During his interview, Governor Lawal claimed that Matawalle was involved in banditry and misappropriated billions of naira while in office. He accused the former governor of failing to address the insecurity in Zamfara.

“Lawal further criticised Matawalle for leaving the state’s treasury in disarray, citing that over N250 billion was unaccounted for when he took over office,” HURIWA quoted.

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However, HURIWA, in its response, dismissed Lawal’s claims as baseless, pointing out that Lawal’s allegations lack concrete evidence and were merely an attempt to tarnish Matawalle’s reputation.

HURIWA also emphasized that the minister of state for Defence remains a key figure in the federal government’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, especially in the North-West region.

The group noted that the Zamfara State governor should focus on addressing the pressing issues facing the state rather than engaging in political squabbles and working ahead of 2027 elections.

“He is spending the state resources on campaign of calumny against Matawalle from one media house to the other,” the association said, expressing concern that while Governor Lawal is preoccupied with discrediting Matawalle, the state continues to suffer from insecurity, poverty and economic instability.

The rights group also highlighted reports that Governor Lawal’s administration approved N19 billion for the procurement of kitchen equipment for the office of the first lady, Huriyya Dauda Lawal, a move that has sparked outrage among citizens.

HURIWA questioned the transparency and accountability of such an expenditure, especially when juxtaposed with the achievements of Matawalle’s administration.