The All Progressives Congress Akida Forum has issued a formal apology to Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, for their previous protest and call for an investigation into his tenure as Zamfara State governor.
In a statement signed by Alhaji Farouq Adamu, the group also said it has expelled members who led the protest against the Minister to the EFCC office, including one Mahmud Mohammed.
Adamu said an emergency committee was set up to investigate the protest and it was discovered that financial inducement led them to make those erroneous judgements.
According to him, specifically, Mohammed refused to pay the hired crowd he took to the EFCC for the protest after collecting as much as N50 million for the hatchet job.
Adamu said their claims were baseless and driven by a desire to partake in the sharing of state resources, which they believed were being unfairly distributed.
Unfortunately, Adamu said greed beclouded their judgement, leading them to make false allegations against Matawalle.
He said: “The All Progressives Congress Akida Forum wishes to issue a formal apology to Minister of State Defence, Bello Matawalle, regarding our previous protest and call for an investigation into his tenure as Zamfara State Governor.
“We distance ourselves from the protest and already expelled members who led the action to the EFCC office, including Mahmud Mohammed.
“Our initial claims were baseless and driven by a desire to partake in the sharing of state resources, which we believed were being unfairly distributed among bandits and media practitioners. Unfortunately, greed clouded our judgement, leading us to make false allegations against Matawalle.”
Upon further investigation, the group discovered that their actions were misguided and allegedly orchestrated by Governor Dauda Lawal.
Adamu claimed the governor’s motives were twofold, politics and self-interest, adding that he fears Matawalle’s growing influence and impressive achievements in combating banditry, which threaten his political ambitions and illicit gold mining business.
Adamu noted that the consequences of Governor Lawal’s actions were alarming, not only is he wasting taxpayers’ money and undermining security efforts, he is also diverting attention away from pressing issues affecting Zamfara State, such as poverty, education, and healthcare.
The forum commended Matawalle for changing the tide in the fight against banditry, leading the war himself to the northwest, adding that his bravery and strategic leadership have brought hope to the region.
The group advised Governor Lawal to stop wasting taxpayers’ money to fight Matawalle and instead focus on governance and addressing the pressing needs of Zamfara State.
“We commend Matawalle for changing the tide in the fight against banditry, leading the war himself to the north-west,” Adamu further said.
“His bravery and strategic leadership have brought hope to the region. We urge the Minister not to relent in his efforts to protect Nigeria. His dedication is crucial to the nation’s security.
“Governor Lawal should stop wasting taxpayers’ money to fight a man blessed by God. Instead, he should focus on governance and addressing the pressing needs of Zamfara State.
“We advise our members to turn over a new leaf, embracing truth and integrity. Let us work together for the betterment of Zamfara State. We appreciate Matawalle’s forgiveness and understanding.”
