Politicians using a notorious and wanted bandit leader to attack Matawalle should retrace their steps

By Ikechi iheanacho

The recent sponsored accusations against Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, by a notorious bandit leader, murderer, gang leader and cattle rustler Bello Turji Kachalla, have raised eyebrows. It appears that some politicians are exploiting this situation to further their own agenda, using a wanted criminal to discredit a government official.

This dangerous politics has far-reaching implications, including: undermining national security by giving a platform to a wanted bandit leader, inadvertently legitimizing his actions and undermining the government’s efforts to combat terrorism and banditry. It is also going to politicize security by using security issues to settle political scores thereby putting lives at risk and creating an environment of mistrust. Overall, it will empower criminals, as this move may embolden other criminals to make false accusations against government officials, creating chaos and instability.

Accusing Matawalle of supporting terrorism and banditry is bizarre, considering his tireless efforts to combat the same evil. It’s a cruel irony, showcasing the desperation of those politicians seeking to tarnish his reputation.

Accordingly, Matawalle has warned his opponents to desist from linking him to Turji’s activities, blaming elements within the Zamfara State government for skewing the narrative against him.

The video released by Turji, claiming Matawalle supported bandits, lacks empirical evidence and is an induced broadcast to tarnish Matawalle’s image. Imagine a wanted murder and bandit having the effrontery to release a broadcast against a serving minister and up till now he has not been arrested, even after he disclosed his location in shinkafi Zamfara State. This should be a source of worry to the Zamfara State government.

We call on security chiefs to investigate the accusations and bring the truth to light. We also call for immediate action against those using wanted criminals for political agenda thereby prioritizing national security over political interests.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should with a sense of urgency upscale Matawalle’s security, protecting him from harm by faceless politicians who are using a wanted bandit leader and murderer to attack his reputation.

Ikechi iheanacho is a Public commentator/ Analyst