- Bello Matawalle challenged Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal to swear on the Quran to prove his innocence in the ongoing banditry crisis
- Matawalle defended his actions, stating he engaged in dialogue with bandits like other governors, questioning why he is being singled out
Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence, has urged Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, to swear on the Holy Quran to prove his innocence in the ongoing banditry crisis plaguing the state. The challenge was made during Matawalle’s interview on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily in response to allegations linking him to the banditry.
Matawalle pointed out that he had already sworn on the Quran, asserting his lack of involvement in the crimes. He also addressed Lawal’s remarks on TVC, where the governor called on Matawalle to step down and face allegations of sponsoring banditry and money laundering during his tenure as governor.
“If I were Matawalle, I would resign and address these accusations head-on,” Lawal said. He emphasized that it would be honorable for Matawalle to clear his name before continuing in office, questioning how he could still serve as Minister of Defence with such allegations against him.
In response, Matawalle asked for evidence to support the claims. He explained that the accusations stem from his engagement in dialogue with bandits, something that other state governors, including those of Niger and Sokoto, had also done.
Matawalle stressed, “Why am I being singled out when other governors did the same? Is it because it’s Zamfara?” He described the state as complex, dealing with individuals with “evil intentions.”
Matawalle further stated that he had been the only governor to swear on the Quran, declaring that if he were involved in banditry in any way, God should not grant him a moment’s grace. He challenged other politicians, including General Ali Gusau and Dauda Lawal, to take the same oath, noting that none had done so, which he implied indicated their involvement.