The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed strong support for President Bola Tinubu’s decision to retain Bello Matawalle, former Zamfara State governor, as Minister of State for Defence. This endorsement follows calls for Matawalle’s removal amid allegations linking him to the banditry crisis that has plagued Zamfara, allegations which APC members argue are baseless.
The party has also urged Zamfara’s current governor, Dauda Lawal, to consider using the same dual approach to security—both kinetic (military action) and non-kinetic (non-combative methods)—that Matawalle applied during his tenure. They believe this approach, if revisited, could improve the ongoing security situation in the state, which has been worsening recently.
This call for action comes on the heels of a large protest by Zamfara residents at the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters in Abuja. Hundreds of women and youths traveled to the capital, alleging that Matawalle’s administration enabled banditry in the state. The protesters arrived in multiple buses but were prevented from fully accessing the DSS premises. They demanded immediate attention to the insecurity impacting their communities.
In a press briefing, Ubaidullah Kaura, the APC Youth Coordinator in Zamfara, voiced disappointment in Governor Lawal, who was elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Kaura argued that Lawal has not adequately built on the security measures his predecessor established. He encouraged Lawal to consult the handover notes left by Matawalle, particularly regarding security strategies.
He said, “We want to use this opportunity to extend our gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for trusting Matawalle and allowing him to continue serving as the Minister of State for Defence in his cabinet.
“Those people going from the EFCC to DSS alleging that Matawalle is involved with bandits and demanding his sacking are sponsored groups. We thank God the presidency, through Bayo Onanuga, has denied this. Even the NSA to the President, Nuhu Ribadu, has also cleared the air after his investigation.
“Under Matawalle’s administration, security was tackled effectively with a balanced approach that combined both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies. We call upon Governor Lawal to revisit the handover notes left by the minister and do all that is necessary to tackle insecurity in the state.”
